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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.
J. F. Latkowski, W. R. Meier
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 39 | Number 2 | March 2001 | Pages 798-803
Chamber Technology | doi.org/10.13182/FST01-A11963337
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
At the Thirteenth International Symposium on Heavy Ion Inertial Fusion (HIF Symposium), we presented magnet shielding calculations for 72-, 128, 200, and 288-beam versions of the HYLIFE-II power plant design.1,2 In all cases, we found the radiation-limited lifetimes of the last set of final focusing magnets to be unacceptably short.1 Since that time, we have completed follow-on calculations to improve the lifetime of the 72-beam case. Using a self-consistent final focusing model, we vary parameters such as the shielding thicknesses and compositions, focusing length, angle-of-attack to the target, and the geometric representation of the flibe pocket, chamber, and blanket. By combining many of these shielding features, we demonstrate a shielding design that would enable the last set of final focusing magnets to survive for the lifetime of the power plant.