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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.
N. A. Salingaros, R. Carrera
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 19 | Number 3 | May 1991 | Pages 1302-1306
Result of Large Experiment and Plasma Engineering | doi.org/10.13182/FST91-A29521
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
A novel theory of plasmas is proposed as an alternative to the usual MHD description. The basic element of Fiber Theory is a filamentary line current in the plasma, in contrast to a magnetic field line in the usual MHD model. Self-organization of the fibers leads to an explanation of observed helical current formation and field-reversal. Natural and driven oscillations of the fibers reproduce many features of what have been traditionally interpreted as instabilities. Basic tokamak operation is better understood via the picture afforded by the fibers. Suggestions for improved tokamak operation are given.