Pellet and pellet-blanket neutronics and photonics for electron beam fusion

Pellet and coupled pellet time-integrated neutronics and photonics calculations are reported for a representative low-gain (25), low-compression (D-T core pr = 9.4 kg/sq m) pellet design for an electron beam fusion reactor. Tungsten, lead, and natural uranium are compared as pusher-tamper materials. In the three cases neutron balances show that neutron multiplication in the pellet compensates for the energy losses and spectral softening due to neutron interactions. Neutron and gamma heating rates, breeding rates, and radiation damage are investigated. Recommendations for future work are given.