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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.
W. A. Fragetta, R. E. Rocco
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 19 | Number 3 | May 1991 | Pages 1115-1120
Ignition Device | doi.org/10.13182/FST91-A29492
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The Compact Ignition Tokamak (CIT) vacuum vessel is envisioned to be a thick wall torus with a Dee shaped cross section. It must withstand violent impact forces from plasma disruptions. Operating conditions include a base pressure of 10−8 torr and a 350°C base temperature. A suitable vacuum vessel material of construction must combine adequate elevated temperature strength and desired physical properties compatible with the operating service conditions. CIT performance and design requirements also dictate that fabricability and availability critically influence selection. Similarly, a requirement that the vessel shall have a low level waste activation further affects the appropriate choice. Based upon these selection criteria two materials were identified, that used in a unique hybrid design, satisfy both performance and decommissioning requirements.