Vapor Clearing Rate and Condensation Study for IFE Liquid Chambers A. YING, P. CALDERONI, T. GIANPAOLO, T. SKETCHLEY, AND M. ABDOU

The aspects of the proposed vapor clearing and condensation experiment involve rapidly generating an IFE prototypical post-shot vapor density in a control volume using characteristic liquid chamber material (FliBe, Li2BeF4), and investigating the condensation rates for the proposed schemes. This experimental goal is achieved by: 1) a pulsed electrothermal plasma source that simulates the pellet explosion for rapid vapor generation and 2) an expansion chamber that represents the IFE liquid chamber. The study consists of two phases. Phase I is aimed at characterizing plasma source capability in terms of maximum quantity of material that can be ablated, and to setting guidelines for the design of the next phase. Phase II will study the condensation process. In the initial state, the condensation chamber will accommodate a pressurized reservoir of liquid FLiBe to generate droplet spray at the chamber entrance and porous film flow around the wall to study the effect of liquid/vapor interaction on the vapor clearing and condensation rate. Phase II activities are considered as part of the IAEA research collaboration.