Monte Carlo Simulations of Neutral Gas and Fast Ion Dynamics in GDT Experiments

The Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics Novosibirsk proposed a highly intense 14 MeV neutron source on the base of a gas dynamic trap (GDT). The GDT is an axisymmetric mirror plasma device. In case of the complete effectiveness at the necessary parameters this type of neutron source promises several advantages in comparison to other proposals. Its actual disadvantage is the incomplete data basis which does not yet allow a reliable interpolation of its feasibility. To close this gap is the goal of the experimental and computational research presently being under way. Here the Monte Carlo codes TUBE for the hydrogen gas and MCFIT for the fast ions which have been developed by Forschungszentrum Rossendorf in collaboration with the Budker Institute take an important part. The paper shortly describes the MCFIT code, compares some numerical with measured results and draws certain conclusions.