Repetitive Replacement of Target Assemblies for Pulsed-Power Driven Inertial Fusion Energy

70318 A major challenge to demonstrating the feasibility of pulsed-power-driven Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) is the repetitive replacement of the target assembly. The target assembly consists of a spherical capsule, filled with cryogenic deuterium-titrium, and surrounded by a cylinder of helium-filled low-density foam. The foam is enclosed by a thin membrane that must contain the helium gas, create a uniform temperature environment, and provide a low emissivity radiation heat boundary. This project will develop procedures for the repetitive replacement of pulsed-power-driven IFE target assemblies. Each step in the procedure will be demonstrated in a laboratory environment with emphasis on methods that can meet the 0.1 Hz time scale. Phase I will fabricate and test a vacuum-tight, high-conductivity, low-emissivity membrane around the low-density foam cylinder. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The target fabrication process should allow pulsed-power-driven IFE power plants to produce electric power at an economical price.