Methodological approach for DEMO neutronics in the European PPPT programme: Tools, data and analyses

The methodological approach employed for the neutronics in the PPPT (Power Plant Physics and Technology) programme of EUROfusion is presented. It encompasses development works on advanced computational tools and activities related to the nuclear design and performance evaluation of the DEMO power plant including safety, maintenance, and waste management issues. Development work is conducted on Monte Carlo codes, on the CAD geometry conversion for Monte Carlo simulations, and on coupled radiation transport and activation computation systems. The role of nuclear data for reliable DEMO neutronics design analyses and uncertainty assessments is also addressed. Specific examples of nuclear analyses are presented including breeder blanket and shielding analyses for the different DEMO blanket concepts as well as related activation, decay heat and shut-down dose rate analyses.