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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.
R. J. Lawrence, L. C. Chhabildas
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 52 | Number 3 | October 2007 | Pages 494-498
Technical Paper | The Technology of Fusion Energy - Inertial Fusion Technology: Targets and Chambers | doi.org/10.13182/FST07-A1537
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Fully understanding and controlling the strong shocks generated in an IFE environment is a complex issue that will require detailed simulations using multi-dimensional radiation-transport hydrocodes. However, simple one-dimensional numerical and analytical models can be used to set limits on the problem. One-dimensional shock propagation and attenuation in water is first examined as a surrogate for the first-wall working fluid, FLIBE; the effects of geometry, equation of state, and loading parameters are considered. Next, using the available properties of FLIBE, the energy deposition from a representative x-ray load is calculated, and is then used to develop an approximate scaling relation for the peak instantaneous pressure in the material. Finally, the energy-deposition results are used to estimate the blow-off impulse, which will drive the structural response of the containment.