Induction core alloys for heavy-ion inertial fusion-energy accelerators

Abstract

Induction core alloys are evaluated that are appropriate for heavy-ion induction accelerators to drive heavy-ion inertial fusion (HIF) power plants. Parameters evaluated include the usable flux swing and the energy loss over a range of magnetization rates of ϳ10 5 10 7 T͞s, corresponding to pulse durations of ϳ20 to 0.2 ms, respectively. The usable flux swing, for minimum core losses, extends from near the reversed remanent field to about 80% of the saturation field. The usable flux swing is enhanced, with little increase in losses, by annealing the core after winding. Maintaining low energy loss at high magnetization rates requires insulation to block interlaminar eddy currents. To obtain annealed cores with a high ratio of remanent to saturation magnetic field, the insulation must withstand annealing temperatures and apply minimum mechanical stress to the core during cooldown. We find that commercially available insulating coatings for amorphous metals either break down near 10 6 T͞s (a factor of 10 below the requirement), or do not achieve the maximum remanent field and hence the usable flux swing after annealing. More satisfactory coatings are available for silicon steel and nanocrystalline alloys, which could have applications in HIF. Amorphous alloys are capable of meeting most HIF needs, especially with improved coatings.

Morphology of swift heavy ion tracks in metallic glasses

“…Taking advantage of such properties, there has been increasing utilization of amorphous metals in diverse applications in recent years such as magnetic cores for high frequency electronics, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), sporting equipment, medical and aerospace applications [4]. The metallic glasses studied in this work are used as cores of magnetic switches, employed in heavy ion induction linear accelerators [5]. The study of ion irradiation induced structural changes in amorphous metals provides insights into the radiation resistance of these materials which is essential for an efficient utilization in such applications.…”

Structural modifications of swift-ion-bombarded metallic glasses studied by high-energy X-ray synchrotron radiation

“…They can be applied in transformers, magnetic sensors or accelerator radio-frequency (RF) cavities [2,3]. In the latter application, they are exposed to ion irradiation caused by beam losses.…”

The influence of swift heavy ion irradiation on the recrystallization of amorphous Fe80B20

“…The study of ion irradiation induced structural changes in amorphous metals provides insights into the radiation resistance of these materials and exploits a means of altering the material properties for potential utilization in advanced technological applications. Amorphous Fe 80 B 20 is for example used as a core material for magnetic switches, employed in heavy ion induction linear accelerators [2].…”