Mechanism of formation of a smooth solid layer of hydrogen inside a microshell

Abstract

Earlier we have proposed and demonstrated a mechanism of formation of a smooth thermo stable glassy solid layer of hydrogen inside a microshell based on introduction of minor dopes into the fuel (so called minor dopes technique or MD-technique). This paper offers a more detailed overview and optimization of the method. The object under consideration is a microshell of ~1 mm dia filled with gaseous hydrogen H2 and a minor dope of HD; density of H2 is less than its critical density (30 kg/m3). It is found that for glassy structure formation it is necessary to maintain uniform dope distribution in the hydrogen volume during the layering process. The calculations have shown that this is achieved by (a) implementation of the drop condensation mode within the time period of t < 0.1 - 0.2 sec, and (b) solidification of the liquid phase within the time period of t < 10 sec. The results of calculations are confirmed by relevant experimental research work. Further model development involves research of specific features of formation of the glassy layer of D2-fuel with minor dopes of HD or DT as well as analysis of the potential use of MD-technique for larger fuel quantities (IFE target).