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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.
Giuseppe Agelao, Maria Carmela Romano, Francesco Italiano
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 38 | Number 2 | September 2000 | Pages 224-237
Technical Paper | doi.org/10.13182/FST00-A144
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
In this research, the effect of the shape of hydrogen-loaded palladium elements on exothermic reactions between gases is shown. It was found that an element with parts of its surface next to each other spontaneously triggers reactions, whereas an element whose surfaces are not next to each other needs outside triggering. The heat developed makes the temperature of the elements rise even by a few hundredths of a degree centigrade.Through photographic techniques, it was shown that the elements, when releasing heat, emit radiation connected to nuclear fusion reactions. These reactions, confirmed also by the analysis of the used hydrogen, showed helium formation. All these tests have confirmed the reproducibility of the phenomenon.