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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.
Augusta Airoldi, Giovanna Cenacchi
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 25 | Number 3 | May 1994 | Pages 278-289
Technical Paper | Alpha-Particle Special / Plasma Engineering | doi.org/10.13182/FST94-A30284
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Ignitor was proposed as a breakthrough in reaching ignition in a high magnetic field. The evolution of the plasma parameters is analyzed. Different growth scenarios for the plasma current and density are considered to optimize the global plasma performance while satisfying stability requirements. The toroidal field is consistent with the current increase adopted. The alpha particles produced are considered only as a power source for electron and ion thermal energy. The effects of the current ramp rate are discussed, and the importance of the density profile growth is indicated. The results show that stable trajectories through the (li,qψ,) pleine can be obtained, assuming the inward pinch is not too large, a (65/35) deuterium-tritium mixture still yields acceptable performance, and a 70% prompt loss of alpha particles is allowed.