Filtering of particulates by cracks in containment barriers

A model for the prediction of the particulate filtering capacity of containment barriers has been developed, and equations are derived which describe gas flow in cracks, as well as the inertial impaction of particles onto crack walls. Some specific containment options being considered for use with fusion power plants have been investigated, using these methods, providing insights into the impact of design options on the filtering performance of containment barriers. In particular, the modelling indicates that, for some hypothetical scenarios, a bare concrete barrier is effective in filtering particulates, but also that the addition of a steel liner, to reduce the gas flow rate, may also reduce the instantaneous barrier filtering efficiency.