Systems modeling and analysis of heavy ion drivers for inertial fusion energy

A computer model for systems analysis of heavy ion drivers based on inducti on linac technology has been used to evaluate driver designs for inertial f usion energy (IFE). Design parameters and estimated costs have been determi ned for drivers with: various ions; different charge states; different fron t-end designs; with and without beam merging; and various pulse compression and acceleration schedules. We have examined the sensitivity of the result s to variations in component cost assumptions, design constraints, and sele cted design parameters.