Comments on the power amplification factor of a driven subcritical system

• The power amplification factor PAF of a driven subcritical system is defined as the ratio of the fission power output of the blanket to the power which the driver must deliver to sustain its neutron source intensity. This parameter decisively determines the effectiveness of the whole system independent of its special purpose as energy amplifier or as transmutation facility. The present note derives a refined analytical expression for the PAF which reveals more physical details than the expressions given by other authors. Moreover, the traditionally used forms of the static reactor eigenvalue equation and of its adjoint equation are rewritten for subcritical systems and used in the derivation of the expression for the PAF. The derived formula and the modified eigenvalue equations are discussed.

Nyckelord

Driven subcritical system

Fusion–fission hybrid

Power amplification factor

Static reactor eigenvalue equation

Teknisk fysik med inriktning mot elektricitetslära

Engineering Science with specialization in Science of Electricity

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