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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.
J. S. Walker, B. F. Picologlou
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 10 | Number 3 | November 1986 | Pages 866-871
Liquid-Metal Blankets and Magnetohydrodynamic Effect | Proceedings of the Seveth Topical Meeting on the Technology of Fusion Energy (Reno, Nevada, June 15–19, 1986) | doi.org/10.13182/FST86-A24846
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The heat deposition in a blanket is concentrated near the first wall. Uniform liquid-metal velocity in a self-cooled blanket is unattractive, because it leads to low mixed-mean temperature rise through the blanket and reduced power conversion efficiency. The objective of MHD flow control is to use the electromagnetic forces to produce a non-uniform velocity distribution which gives a uniform temperature distribution over the thickness of the blanket. Three methods of MHD flow control are presented here and the MHD pressure drops corresponding to the three methods are compared. One of the methods, although successful at achieving nonuniform velocity profiles, permits a large circulation of electric current which produces a high pressure drop. The analytical results do not indicate a clear choice between the other two methods. The analytical results do point to possible difference in heat transfer performance with the two methods.