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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. D. Simpson, J. K. Hoffer, L. R. Foreman
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 21 | Number 2 | March 1992 | Pages 330-333
Safety; Measurement and Accountability; Operation and Maintenance; Application | doi.org/10.13182/FST92-A29766
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
We have examined two of the variables that affect the beta-layering process in which nonuniform layers of solid deuterium-tritium (DT) are driven toward uniformity by beta-decay induced sublimation. For these experiments, a 9 mm diameter polycarbonate sphere was partially filled with a 50-50 mix of DT liquid, frozen, and then held at 17 K. We measured the equilibration time constant τ as functions of solid layer thickness, 4He exchange gas pressure, and age. Solid layer thicknesses ranged from 200 µm to 650 µm, exchange gas pressures from 0 to 600 torr, and age from 0 to 104 days. Results show a significant final solid layer anisotropy with exchange gas pressures above 5 torr, and τ values that increased with age by 0.01 min/day for 200 µm-thick layers, and by 0.5 min/day for 650 µm-thick layers. The time constant is shown to be a weak function of exchange gas pressure.