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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.
Howard L. Heinisch, Frederick M. Mann, Donald G. Doran
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 8 | Number 3 | November 1985 | Pages 2704-2707
Technical Paper | First-Wall Technology | doi.org/10.13182/FST85-A24691
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Activation calculations were performed f or 27 elements in the STARFIRE, Mirror Advanced Reactor Study (MARS), and GA Technologies, Inc. (GA) conceptual reactor first-wall neutron spectra. In all the spectra, seven of the elements (nitrogen, aluminum, nickel, molybdenum, copper, niobium, and lead) required restrictions on their concentration in a material in order to meet current regulations for near-surface radioactive waste disposal. For nickel, molybdenum, and niobium in the spectra of MARS and GA, however, the activation levels are two to five times lower than in STARFIRE. Multistep reactions were found to have only a small effect on the limits for these seven elements.