Parameter study on helium cooled ceramic breeder blanket neutronics with CFETR integration design platform

Highlights: • The neutronics interface module was developed within CFETR integration design platform to work in conjunction with MCNP code. • Delicate parameterization of CFETR sector was done for neutronics. • A novel approach to conduct conceptual design and parameter optimization of the neutronic subject was preliminarily demonstrated. • The optimal design inputs are generated with Self-Adaptive Evolution algorithm to maximize the TBR of CFTER HCCB blanket. - Abstract: The development of CFETR integration design platform is in progress to accelerate the CFETR design in consideration of both core physics and engineering practicability. Within the engineering framework of CFETR integration design platform, the neutronics interface module has been implemented. This work presents the parameter study on helium cooled ceramic breeder blanket neutronics with the neutronics interface module of the CFETR integration design platform. The parameterized 3-D neutronic model of CFETR was set in the first place. Afterwards, the workflow of neutronic analyses was established. The concerned geometry and composition parameters of breeder blanket were selected as input and the tritium breeding ratio was selected as target. And, then, the workflow was abstracted as the mathematical model in the form of the so called response surface based on sufficient MCNP simulations. With the workflow or response surface model, the estimation and optimization of target parameter could be achieved. Finally, a set of local optimal parameters was proposed for CFETR helium cooled ceramic breeder blanket.