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Fusion energy: Progress, partnerships, and the path to deployment
Over the past decade, fusion energy has moved decisively from scientific aspiration toward a credible pathway to a new energy technology. Thanks to long-term federal support, we have significantly advanced our fundamental understanding of plasma physics—the behavior of the superheated gases at the heart of fusion devices. This knowledge will enable the creation and control of fusion fuel under conditions required for future power plants. Our progress is exemplified by breakthroughs at the National Ignition Facility and the Joint European Torus.
Timothy M. Schriener, Mohamed S. El-Genk
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 61 | Number 1 | January 2012 | Pages 349-354
Modeling and Simulations | Proceedings of the Fifteenth International Conference on Emerging Nuclear Energy Systems | doi.org/10.13182/FST12-A13444
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
This paper presents the results of iterative neutronics and thermal-hydraulic design optimization of a liquid metal cooled reactor for lunar surface power. The reactor placed below grade on the lunar surface is capable of generating 1.0 MWth continuously for ~20 years without refueling. It satisfies subcriticality requirement for shutdown, during launch and when submerged in wet sand and flooded with seawater in the unlikely event of a launch abort accident. The 3-D thermal-hydraulic design ensures good flow distribution and cooling of UN fuel pins and adequate mixing in the exit duct.