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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.
A. C. Klein, D-K. Sze
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 10 | Number 3 | November 1986 | Pages 747-752
Fusion Materials—Radiation Effects and Activation | Proceedings of the Seveth Topical Meeting on the Technology of Fusion Energy (Reno, Nevada, June 15–19, 1986) | doi.org/10.13182/FST86-A24830
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
An assessment is made of the gamma radiation hazards likely to be found near a fusion reactor which employs a vanadium alloy for the blanket and first wall structure, ferritic-steel HT9 for the remainder of the loop and molten salt FLiBe as coolant/tritium breeding fluid. Since the radiation levels near the primary loop components are found to be less than 100 mR/hr 3–5 days after shutdown after three years of continuous full power operation, limited hands-on maintenance is conceivable. The very short half-lives of the predominant corrosion products make this result possible and make such a system very attractive.