Neutronics model developments for the IFMIF-DONES test cell

This work presents the development and evolution of the test cell (TC) neutronics geometry models for IFMIF-DONES (International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility–Demo Oriented Neutron Source), supporting detailed Monte Carlo–based nuclear analyses for design assessment and optimization. Beginning with the IFMIF/EVEDA configuration, successive model versions have been developed to reflect major DONES design updates, including the design changes to a single accelerator and test module, revised target assembly (TA) and High Flux Test Module (HFTM) designs, relocation of the quench tank, and the introduction of removable biological shielding blocks (RBSBs). To balance modeling accuracy and computational efficiency, both high-fidelity and lightweight geometry representations were investigated. Sensitivity studies on geometry boundaries and levels of simplification demonstrate that key irradiation performance metrics, such as neutron flux and damage doses, are well preserved when essential TA and HFTM features are retained. Simplified yet representative target and HFTM models were validated for use in accelerated simulations. In parallel, an unstructured mesh-based HFTM model was successfully implemented and benchmarked against conventional CSG-based models, showing excellent agreement

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
KITopen
Published
2026-08-03
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5445/ir/1000195834
Primary Topic
Nuclear reactor physics and engineering
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Neutronics model developments for the IFMIF-DONES test cell

S. Becerril, Aljaž Čufar, J. Castellanos, Fernando Mota et al.
KITopen
Nuclear reactor physics and engineering
article

Neutronics model developments for the IFMIF-DONES test cell

S. Becerril, Aljaž Čufar, J. Castellanos, Fernando Mota, Irene Álvarez, Arkady Serikov, Yuefeng Qiu
article en

Abstract

This work presents the development and evolution of the test cell (TC) neutronics geometry models for IFMIF-DONES (International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility–Demo Oriented Neutron Source), supporting detailed Monte Carlo–based nuclear analyses for design assessment and optimization. Beginning with the IFMIF/EVEDA configuration, successive model versions have been developed to reflect major DONES design updates, including the design changes to a single accelerator and test module, revised target assembly (TA) and High Flux Test Module (HFTM) designs, relocation of the quench tank, and the introduction of removable biological shielding blocks (RBSBs). To balance modeling accuracy and computational efficiency, both high-fidelity and lightweight geometry representations were investigated. Sensitivity studies on geometry boundaries and levels of simplification demonstrate that key irradiation performance metrics, such as neutron flux and damage doses, are well preserved when essential TA and HFTM features are retained. Simplified yet representative target and HFTM models were validated for use in accelerated simulations. In parallel, an unstructured mesh-based HFTM model was successfully implemented and benchmarked against conventional CSG-based models, showing excellent agreement

KITopen
Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Openalex Percentile: Top 5%
Nuclear reactor physics and engineering
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.