Simulation of evolving thermal conductivity in materials for nuclear fusion.

摘要：该项目将采用先进的原子模拟方法来了解聚变反应堆中使用的材料的导热性如何因辐照而变化。背景：核聚变是产生大量无碳能源的最有前途的选择之一。热导率是关键聚变反应堆系统发展的一个关键参数，包括等离子体面组件，其中快速散热是必不可少的，而增殖毯区将热量传递到冷却剂将决定电转换效率。由于缺乏适当的设施，实验测定反应器条件下的导热系数是困难的，因此，使用计算机模拟是必要的。该项目将以先前的工作为基础，利用原子模拟，特别是非平衡分子动力学（NEMD），研究反应堆运行过程中引入的缺陷如何影响材料的宏观导热性。特别是，你将研究钨将用于转移剂和锂陶瓷，这将有助于氚的增殖。您在此项目中生成的数据将输入到更高级别的多物理场模型中，从而提高我们对反应堆内环境的理解，并将用于未来反应堆的设计和建造。该项目将涉及与牛津郡世界领先的Culham聚变能源中心（CCFE）的广泛合作，并有可能在CCFE工作更长时间。

Summary:This project will employ advanced atomistic simulation methods to understand how the thermal conductivity of materials used in fusion reactors change due to irradiation.Background:Nuclear fusion is one of the most promising options for generating large amounts of carbon-free energy. The thermal conductivity is a crucial parameter in the development of key fusion reactor systems, including the plasma facing components, where rapid heat removal is essential and the breeder blanket region where the transfer of heat to the coolant will dictate electrical conversion efficiency. Experimental determination of the thermal conductivity under reactor conditions is difficult due to the lack of appropriate facilities, therefore, the use of computer simulation is necessary.This project will build on previous work to examine how the introduction of defects during reactor operation will impact the macroscopic thermal conductivity of materials using atomistic simulation, particularly non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD). In particular, you will investigate tungsten that will be used in the diverter and lithium ceramics that will facilitate tritium breeding. The data you generate during this project will be input into higher level multi-physics models, thereby improving our understanding of the in-reactor environment and will be used in the design and construction of future reactors.The project will involve extensive collaboration with the world leading Culham Centre for Fusion Energy (CCFE) in Oxfordshire with the potential to spend extended periods of time working at CCFE.