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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.
Paul A. Roth, J, Stephen Herring
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 4 | Number 2 | September 1983 | Pages 1121-1126
Environment and Safety | doi.org/10.13182/FST83-A23008
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Recent fusion reactor conceptual designs include pressurized water as the coolant for the first wall and blanket. To determine design adequacy, the consequences of a pressurized water cooling tube failure within the blanket have been analyzed using the time-dependent computer code ATHENA. The ATHENA code, being developed by EG&G Idaho, Inc., simulates safety related transients in fusion blankets, first walls, and other reactor systems. The analysis showed that some blanket design modifications must be made to ensure module integrity following an internal cooling tube break.