First-wall protection in particle-beam fusion reactors by inert cavity gases

Results of hydrodynamics calculations, including radiation diffusion, are reported for spherical blast waves that will occur in light-ion-beam fusion reactor cavities filled with a noble gas to protect the first wall. Calculations for argon show that the radiant heat pulse on a 4m-radius wall is likely to be excessively large for reactor applications. This is due to high transparency of argon (and other noble gases) at low temperatures.