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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.
R. Matera, W. Janssens, P. de Meester
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 21 | Number 3 | May 1992 | Pages 1823-1827
Plasma-Facing Component | doi.org/10.13182/FST92-A29983
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The use of fiber composite technology and finite element analyses on both micro- and macro-scale, can bring innovative solutions to the design of the divertor plate for future experimental fusion reactors. Overall divertor problems are discussed. An original and versatile solution is proposed and some promising results from a thermo-mechanical analysis are presented, using two- and three-dimensional modelling and a realistic heat flux profile, without separatrix sweeping. The effect of the third dimension is focused in this paper. Emphasis is also put on the integration of the micro- and macro-scale results. Finally inherent design improvements and weaknesses are discussed; the preliminary balance is highly positive.