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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.
John H. Pitts
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 4 | Number 2 | September 1983 | Pages 967-972
Inertial Confinement Fusion | doi.org/10.13182/FST83-A22984
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The Cascade concept uses the high-temperature (1200 K) potential of a solid Li2O pebble blanket in conjunction with centrifugal action to produce a safe and highly efficient (up to 55%) reaction chamber for commercial power production. One option using a 25-mm-thick steel wall is shown to have low primary stresses of 22 MPa, which when coupled with a secondary thermal stress of 132 MPa, satisfies the intent and methodology for an ASME-designed vessel. A high tritium breeding ratio of 1.35 results from direct exposure of the Li2O blanket to the fusion reactions. Vacuum pumping requirements of the chamber, using laser drivers at a pressure of 0.1 Torr, are a modest 4.7 m3/s for D-T and 3.1 m3/s for helium. Carbon-14 activation in the blanket is insignificant. We conclude that the Cascade concept offers an attractive option for a safe and efficient inertial fusion reaction chamber.