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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.K. Sze, M. Sawan, S. Herring, The ARIES Team
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 21 | Number 2 | March 1992 | Pages 994-998
Material; Storage and Processing | doi.org/10.13182/FST92-A29881
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
About three percent of the fusion energy produced by a D-3He reactor is in the form of neutrons. Those neutrons are generated by D-D and D-T reactions, with the tritium produced by the D-D fusion. The neutrons will react with structural steel, deuterium, 3He and shielding material to produce tritium. About half of the tritium generated by the D-D reaction will not burn in the plasma and will exit as a part of the plasma exhaust. Thus, there is enough tritium produced in a D-3He reactor and careful management will be required. The tritium produced in the shield and plasma can be managed with an acceptable effect on cost and safety.