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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.
D. E. Shumaker
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 13 | Number 4 | May 1988 | Pages 555-576
Technical Paper | Plasma Engineering | doi.org/10.13182/FST88-A25135
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
A numerical simulation of the evolution of a field-reversed configuration (FRC) plasma is described. The calculation proceeds by alternating between a two-dimensional axisymmetric equilibrium calculation and a one-dimensional transport calculation. The equilibrium calculation uses flux-surface coordinates and finite elements. The transport calculation consists of the simultaneous solution of three one-dimensional equations for the differential ion density, electron entropy, and ion entropy. The transport calculation includes classical transport processes, loss on open field lines, radiation cooling due to impurities, and lower hybrid drift anomalous transport. Examples of FRC simulations are presented.