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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.
R. Carroll Maninger, David W. Dorn
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 6 | Number 3 | November 1984 | Pages 616-624
Technical Paper | Safety/Environmental Aspect | doi.org/10.13182/FST84-A23143
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The Mirror Advanced Reactor Study (MARS) was a 2-yr study of designs for a commercial tandem mirror fusion reactor. Two of the goals of the MARS program were to exploit the full potential of fusion for occupational and environmental safety during operation and maintenance and to realize safe long-term disposal of radioactive wastes. Two numerical ratings devised to characterize materials with respect to impacts of induced radioactivity on these two goals are described. The ratings devised for these purposes are the remote maintenance rating and the waste disposal rating. The MARS reactor designers had these ratings available and used them as guidelines in making configuration and materials choices. Significant differences in meeting these goals were identified, depending on the materials chosen. The final MARS design fully utilized the technology available today and, in large measure, achieved the stated goals of the program.