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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. Suzuki, Y. Ueda, K. Tokunaga, K. Sato, M. Akiba
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 44 | Number 1 | July 2003 | Pages 41-48
Technical Paper | Fusion Energy - Fusion Plenary and Overview | doi.org/10.13182/FST03-A308
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
This paper is a review of the present status of research activities on the divertor and the first wall for fusion power plants in Japan. There are several key issues as follows; 1) plasma facing materials, 2) fabrication techniques, 3) thermal hydraulics, and 4) component design. It can be said that solid surface plasma facing components are the present reference design of fusion power plants in Japan. Based on plasma conditions, it turns out that sputtering erosion of plasma facing materials could not be negligible, and some armor would be necessary. From this view point, tungsten is one of the most promising materials. This paper reviews the present engineering status on tungsten as a plasma facing material for fusion power plants.