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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.
Xiang M. Chen, Virgil E. Schrock, Per F. Peterson
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 21 | Number 3 | May 1992 | Pages 1536-1540
Inertial Fusion Reactor Studies | doi.org/10.13182/FST92-A29938
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
In the HYLIFE inertial confinement fusion reactor, fusion occurs in pulses several times every second, x rays ablate material from the array of molten 2LiF-BeF2 salt (Flibe-Li2BeF4) jets used to protect the reactor vessel, generating a hot, dissociated and partially ionized vapor. Further evaporation of the blanket material occurs as the vapor radiates to the jets. Eventually this vapor must be condensed to restore sufficient vacuum for the next shot. The rate of condensation determines the permissible fusion repetition rate. With extensive dissociation, the chemical composition in the reactor will be complicated. A good understanding of the chemical kinetics is essential for the calculation of the composition and, therefore, for the accurate calculation of the vapor condensation rate. Analysis presented here shows that recombination rates will be fast compared to fluid dynamic and condensation time scales for a major portion of the condensation process, making it possible to assume quasi-equilibrium in the vapor phase.