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Advanced Simulations for Nuclear Fusion Energy Systems

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "B4: Nuclear Energy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 507

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Enterprise Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico, 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
Interests: nuclear fusion reactors; nuclear energy; computational structural mechanics; multiphysics simulation; thermo-structural optimization

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Enterprise Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico, 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
Interests: nuclear fusion reactors; nuclear energy; computational structural mechanics; multiphysics simulation; thermo-structural optimization

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As the global demand for clean, sustainable, and reliable energy sources continues to rise, advancing research in fusion nuclear energy, and thermal energy systems has become increasingly important. A major challenge in the development of these technologies lies in optimizing their design and performance under extreme operational conditions, such as high temperatures and complex thermal management requirements. The integration of advanced materials and components, along with the need for enhanced efficiency, calls for innovative engineering and design strategies.

Numerical simulation plays a critical role in addressing these challenges, enabling researchers to model and predict the thermal, mechanical, and multiphysical behavior of nuclear energy systems under a wide range of conditions. Through simulation, it is possible to test new designs, optimize performance, and develop more efficient solutions without the need for extensive physical prototyping. These methods, combined with analytical and computational approaches, are essential for advancing the design and optimization of next-generation fusion nuclear energy systems.

In this context, the Guest Editors invite submissions to a Special Issue of Energies that focuses on original research, quantitative analyses, and review articles addressing these challenges in nuclear energy systems. We welcome contributions that explore innovative solutions and methodologies, including but not limited to the following topics:

- Thermal, structural, and multiphysical analyses for energy systems;
- Thermal reactions for nuclear energy;
- Heat transmission and cooling of nuclear fusion devices;
- Use of numerical simulation in energy system design and optimization;
- Analytical and alternative approaches to nuclear energy system performance;
- Performance assessments under extreme conditions;
- Optimized designs and optimization analyses;
- Innovative architectures for energy systems;
- Advanced engineering strategies and materials.

We look forward to your valuable contributions to this Special Issue.

Dr. Andrea Chiappa
Dr. Corrado Groth
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • nuclear energy
  • nuclear power
  • fusion energy
  • thermal reaction
  • cooling in nuclear energy system
  • tokamak
  • structural analyses
  • thermal analyses
  • stress assessment
  • optimized design
  • analytical approach
  • hybrid approach
  • optimization study
  • alternative solutions

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

28 pages, 14197 KiB  
Article
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Volumetric Neutron Source (VNS) Thermal Shield Design: Analysis and Optimisation of Electromagnetic, Thermal, and Structural Behaviours
by Fabio Viganò, Irene Pagani, Simone Talloni, Pouya Haghdoust, Giovanni Falcitelli, Ivan Maione, Lorenzo Giannini, Cesar Luongo and Flavio Lucca
Energies 2025, 18(13), 3305; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18133305 - 24 Jun 2025
Viewed by 129
Abstract
The Volumetric Neutron Source (VNS) is a pivotal facility proposed for advancing fusion nuclear technology, particularly for the qualification of breeding blanket systems, a key component of DEMO and future fusion reactors. This study focuses on the design and optimisation of the VNS [...] Read more.
The Volumetric Neutron Source (VNS) is a pivotal facility proposed for advancing fusion nuclear technology, particularly for the qualification of breeding blanket systems, a key component of DEMO and future fusion reactors. This study focuses on the design and optimisation of the VNS Thermal Shield, adopting a multidisciplinary approach to address its thermal and structural behaviours. The Thermal Shield plays a crucial role in protecting superconducting magnets and other cryogenic components by limiting heat transfer from higher-temperature regions of the tokamak to the cryostat, which operates at temperatures between 4 K and 20 K. To ensure both thermal insulation and structural integrity, multiple design iterations were conducted. These iterations aimed to reduce electromagnetic (EM) forces induced during magnet charge and discharge cycles by introducing strategic cuts and reinforcements in the shield design. The optimisation process included the evaluation of various aluminium alloys and composite materials to achieve a balance between rigidity and weight while maintaining structural integrity under EM and mechanical loads. Additionally, an integrated thermal study was performed to ensure effective temperature management, maintaining the shield at an operational temperature of around 80 K. Cooling channels were incorporated to homogenise temperature distribution, improving thermal stability and reducing thermal gradients. This comprehensive approach demonstrates the viability of advanced material solutions and design strategies for thermal and structural optimisation. The findings reinforce the importance of the VNS as a dedicated platform for testing and validating critical fusion technologies under operationally relevant conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Simulations for Nuclear Fusion Energy Systems)
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