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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.
Richard F. Post, John F. Santarius
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 22 | Number 1 | August 1992 | Pages 13-26
Technical Paper | D-3He/Fusion Reactor | doi.org/10.13182/FST92-A30049
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The special synergisms between open-ended magnetic confinement systems and the D-3He fuel cycle are discussed, both in general terms and through examples. Properties of open systems that make them especially suited for this fuel cycle include their ability to stably confine high-beta plasmas, their compatibility with electrostatic direct converters, and their linear geometry, which can greatly simplify the practical attainment of high magnetic fields. The example systems given include a “linear collider” and thermal barrier tandem mirror systems for both terrestrial and space travel applications. It is concluded that satisfying the demanding physics requirements posed by the D-3He fuel cycle may be more readily possible through the use of open-ended magnetic systems than it will be through the use of closed systems of the tokamak genre.