Mechanical response of cavity tube banks in heavy ion beam fusion reactors

The heavy ion beam ICF reactor HIBALL incorporates an annular array of vertical tubes between the cavity per se and the first structural wall. These tubular components (INPORT units) are fabricated from porous woven silicon carbide. Liquid LiPb flows within the units and through the porous walls to form a protective exterior surface film. X-rays vaporize a portion of this layer resulting in an impulsive pressure on the tubes. This paper is concerned with the mechanical response of the SiC INPORT units from this dynamic loading