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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.
S. Chaturvedi*, R. G. Mills
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 25 | Number 2 | March 1994 | Pages 164-175
Technical Paper | Fusion Reactor | doi.org/10.13182/FST94-A30265
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The important mechanisms of energy flow in a quasi-isobaric magnetic fusion device are studied. In Part I of this paper, the spatial profiles of plasma parameters that yield acceptable values of Qdt and plasma dimensions are determined. These prof lies are determined by balancing the dominant terms in the differential energy equations, i.e., conduction, brems-Strahlung, and collisional energy exchange, against each other. One class of equilibria was identified for a more detailed study. In Part II, the contributions of inelastic processes, radiation transport, and alpha-particle slowing down to the differential energy balances for electrons and ions are examined. Bremsstrahlung loss is found to be the dominant term for electrons. Inelastic processes involving hydrogen are important for ions in the fusion “core.” Impurity radiation can be important even with a low impurity content. Energy deposition by alpha particles is significant in the high-density edge, while cyclotron radiation transport plays some role in regions with large density gradients.