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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. Miley, J. DeMora, R. Stubbers, I.V. Tzonev, R.A. Anderl, J.H. Nadler, R. Nebel
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 30 | Number 3 | December 1996 | Pages 1315-1319
Innovative Approaches to Fusion Energy | doi.org/10.13182/FST96-A11963130
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Two different, complementary approaches were taken to determine the effects of an Inertial Electrostatic Confinement (IEC) grid's design on the neutron production rate of the device. A semi-empirical formula developed from experimental data predicts the neutron yield of an IEC device, given the chamber size, grid radius and transparency, and operating voltage and current. Results from the IXL™ computer program support some of the scalings found in the semi-empirical formula. A second formula was also developed that predicts the neutron yield of an IEC device using grid design parameters and the ion core radius. The SIMION™ computer program was used to calculate the ion core radius. These formulas are useful tools for designing grids that will maximize the neutron yield for IEC devices.