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DTRA’s advancements in nuclear and radiological detection
A new, more complex nuclear age has begun. Echoing the tensions of the Cold War amid rapidly evolving nuclear and radiological threats, preparedness in the modern age is a contest of scientific innovation. The Research and Development Directorate (RD) at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is charged with winning this contest.
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.