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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.
Saurin Majumdar
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 21 | Number 1 | January 1992 | Pages 12-24
Technical Paper | First-Wall Technology | doi.org/10.13182/FST92-A29701
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Because of the presence of high cyclic thermal stress, coolant pressure-induced primary stress, and disruption-induced high cyclic primary stress, ratcheting (i.e., incremental accumulation of plastic strain) in the first wall poses a serious challenge to the designers of the U.S. International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). Existing design tools, such as the Bree diagram in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler and Pressure Vessels Code, are not directly applicable to the U.S. ITER because of important differences in geometry and loading modes. Available alternative models for ratcheting are discussed, and new Bree diagrams, which are more relevant for fusion reactor applications, are proposed.