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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.
Andrei I. Nikitenko, Sergey M. Tolokonnikov, Robert Cook
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 31 | Number 4 | July 1997 | Pages 385-390
Technical Paper | Eleventh Target Fabrication Specialists' Meeting | doi.org/10.13182/FST97-A30790
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The design and operation of a new “Ballistic Furnace” facility at the Lebedev Physical Institute for producing large plastic shells from solid polystyrene granules is presented, along with the results of the first experimental trials. Good quality shells with diameters up to 1.7 mm have been produced, though surface debris is a serious problem. AFM surface characterization of these shells is presented. The formation of several shells from a single initial granule has been experimentally observed. Based on our initial experimental results, the problems, possible routes to their solution, and other upgrade possibilities for the Ballistic Furnace that will result in improved shell quality will be discussed.