Advancements in Fusion Neutronics and Applications in Blanket Technologies

As the world accelerates towards fusion energy, driven by the active participation of both private and public companies in the race, the diversity of fusion reactor and blanket concepts is rapidly increasing. This growing heterogeneity underscores the need for high-performance, scalable, and reliable neutronics codes that are validated and versatile enough to integrate seamlessly into complex workflows. Developing the tools and methodologies to analyze and optimize state-of-the-art blanket concepts is a critical step forward. Additionally, there is a pressing need for experiments to validate these designs, ensuring that the neutronics codes accurately reflect real-world conditions.

The goals of this Research Topic are to consolidate and advance the current knowledge in fusion neutronics and its application in blanket design and conceptualization. We aim to gather and document the state-of-the-art in fusion neutronics codes and methodologies, creating a comprehensive foundation for future research and development in blanket technologies. This Research Topic also seeks to broaden the range of experiments focused on blanket design, particularly those involving actual fusion neutrons. By integrating advanced neutronics methods with experimental validation, we aim to develop more reliable and scalable technologies that are crucial for the future of fusion energy.

This Research Topic is especially interested in articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Fusion neutronics codes, methods, and verification and validation
• Neutronics design of fusion reactors and shielding
• Integrating fusion neutronics with other reactor systems, such as diagnostics and magnets
• Advanced methods, such as variance reduction, activation, CAD integration, uncertainty quantification, multiphysics, and coupling
• Blanket designs: innovative concepts, modeling, analysis, and application of advanced techniques
• Neutron diagnostics: validation of neutronics models, advanced diagnostics for blanket studies, and the development of novel concepts
• Blanket experiments: review of past and current programs, proposals for new experiments, neutron and tritium detection issues and solutions, materials compatibility, and comprehensive analysis, validation, and benchmarking.

Keywords: fusion reactor concepts, depletion and activation, variance reduction, radiation damage models, nuclear data, blanket concepts, blanket modeling, tritium breeding, blanket experiments, neutronics design, fusion neutronics, blanket technologies

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.