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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.
M. J. Pattison, K. N. Premnath, N. B. Morley
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 52 | Number 4 | November 2007 | Pages 812-816
Technical Paper | Nuclear Analysis and Experiments | doi.org/10.13182/FST07-A1591
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Fusion reactors designs frequently involve the use of liquid metal flows in the presence of strong magnetic fields. Simulation of the flows involves the solution of continuum equations for fluid flow and magnetic induction, usually done with finite difference methods. In this paper, an alternative method, based on the generalized lattice Boltzmann equation (GLBE), and implemented in the MetaFlow code is discussed. It has a number of desirable features, including fast execution, excellent parallel scalability, and can easily handle complex geometries. The use of the recent GLBE variant greatly enhances stability and accuracy. To simulate magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flows relevant to fusion applications using GLBE, several new models have been developed, including new boundary condition formulations, preconditioners for faster steady-state convergence, variable electrical conductivity materials, and to resolve thin Hartmann layers. These models are discussed, and validations against MHD benchmarks, including 3-D driven cavity, high Hartmann number and turbulent cases are presented.