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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.
J. A. Maniscalco, D. H. Berwald, R. B. Campbell, R. W. Moir, J.D. Lee
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 1 | Number 4 | October 1981 | Pages 419-478
Technical Paper | Overview | doi.org/10.13182/FST81-A19943
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
An overview is presented of recent design trends and developments in fusion-fission hybrid reactor concepts. Emphasis is on recent progress and developments but a brief review of the evolution of the hybrid concept since 1950 is also presented. Required fusion performance and technology development issues for the fusion-fission hybrid are explored with the tandem mirror as the primary example of a fusion driver. The results show that fusion breeders, especially those with suppressed-fission blankets, have the potential to produce unprecedented quantities of fissile fuel The resulting high light water reactor support ratio relaxes both the fusion performance required and the economic constraints for commercial feasibility. It also enhances the fusion breeder's ability to rapidly impact our energy needs.