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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.
H. Oomura, M. Akiyama, K. Hiya
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 8 | Number 1 | July 1985 | Pages 625-629
Blanket and First-Wall Engineering | Proceedings of the Sixth Topical Meeting on the Technology of Fusion Energy (San Francisco, California, March 3-7, 1985) | doi.org/10.13182/FST85-A40109
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The lifetime evaluation study for a fusion reactor first wall was performed using newly developed one-dimensional analysis code. Since the in-vessel components are exposed to a severe and complex environment, the evaluation of their lifetime is required for the design of fusion reactors. In the present paper, the first wall was assumed to be a flat plate and free to expand but not bend. Linear fracture mechanies was used to investigate the crack growth behavior and parametric surveillance was performed changing the swelling rate, initial crack length and wall loading. It is concluded that 1) the crack growth from the plasma side will limit the lifetime of the first wall, and 2) fracture toughness and initial crack length are the most important limiting factors for the first wall lifetime.