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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.
G. H. Neilson, D. B. Batchelor, M. D. Carter, J. D. Galambos, E. A. Lazarus, D. W. Swain, C. C. Tsai, N. A. Uckan, R. J. Goldston, C. E. Kessel, D. R. Mikkelsen, W. Reiersen, J. A. Schmidt, R. H. Bulmer, D. N. Hill, W. M. Nevins, P.-W. Wang
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 30 | Number 3 | December 1996 | Pages 1261-1265
Steady-State and Long-Pulse Machine Studies | doi.org/10.13182/FST96-A11963121
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The physics capabilities of an ignition-and-moderate-burn tokamak to explore the physics of burning plasmas and bum control on ash accumulation time scales are described. The machine provides physics capabilities comparable to those of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) for pulse lengths up to 120 s, but lacks the nuclear component testing, superconducting magnet technology, and long-pulse aspects of ITER's mission. Strong plasma shaping is adopted to reduce the cost relative to ITER. Using ITER guidelines to evaluate the physics performance, this machine has the same ignition margin as ITER's, and operates within the limits on beta, density (i.e., the Greenwald density limit), and safety-factor specified in the ITER physics guidelines. Acceptable peak heat fluxes to divertor target surfaces are maintained with an attached, high-recycling divertor operating scenario typical of present-day machines. A range of ignited and driven operating modes is available, including advanced modes prototypical of steady-state tokamak operation.