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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.
Karl Erickson, N. J. Mccormick, Gene L. Woodruff
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 1 | Number 4 | October 1981 | Pages 533-541
Technical Paper | Hybrid Reactor | doi.org/10.13182/FST81-A19946
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The feasibility of spatial and temporal power density flattening in fusion-fission hybrid reactors was investigated by varying the concentration of 239Pu within a set of zones in the fission region and by examining two different fuel management schemes. Blanket designs with no 239Pu typically had a spatial maximum-to-average power density ratio of ∼2.5, but this value was reduced to between 1.26 and 1.67, depending on the design and fuel management scheme selected. Unfortunately, however, significant impact occurs only with relatively high fissile concentrations, with the outer zones approaching equilibrium values. Thus, either an impractically large fissile inventory for startup or long operating histories would be required.