Nuclear considerations for FIRE

Nuclear analyses have been performed for the baseline design of the Fusion Ignition Research Experiment (FIRE). Nuclear heating, structural radiation damage, and magnet insulator dose were evaluated. Critical issues requiring additional R&D effort include low-temperature embrittlement of copper and identifying insulators that can handle a dose as high as 1.5×10¹⁰ Rads under the FIRE load conditions. Activation calculations were performed to determine the amount of radioactivity and decay heat generated. Accessibility for hands-on maintenance was assessed. All components qualify as low level waste.