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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.
L. G. Miller, J. M. Beeston, P. Y. Hsu, B. L. Harris
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 4 | Number 2 | September 1983 | Pages 427-432
Materials Engineering | doi.org/10.13182/FST83-A22901
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The lifetime of hollow beryllium pebbles in a hybrid fusion blanket was estimated using the existing radiation damage data base. The ductility of the irradiated beryllium at 400 to 500°C was estimated as ∼3%, and the loading stresses produced a strain of <0.3%. The failure analysis was based on the maximum stress theory. The principal stresses calculated were thermal and swelling. The estimated lifetimes for beryllium pebbles were <2 yr for those near the first wall of the blanket, >2 yr for those near the center, and >9 yr for those near the back wall. An overall average lifetime of 2.6 yr was calculated for the hollow beryllium pebbles. The snap-ring fuel form, not considered in this analysis, is expected to give longer beryllium lifetimes, provided stress concentration effects are not present.