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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.J. MacFarlane, M. E. Sawan, G. A. Moses, P. Wang, R. E. Olson
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 30 | Number 3 | December 1996 | Pages 1569-1573
Fusion Power Plants and Economics | doi.org/10.13182/FST96-A11963174
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Results from numerical simulations are presented describing the explosion energetics of a high-gain indirect-drive ICF target. The light ion fusion LIBRA-SP target, which consists of an x-ray driven capsule embedded in a spherical foam-filled hohlraum, is imploded using 12 prepulse and 12 full power Li beams containing a total energy of 8 MJ. Here, we report on the dynamics of the target energy release, focussing in particular on the partitioning of energy between x rays, neutrons, and target debris kinetic energy. Our results indicate that 72% and 22% of the 552 MJ yield is emitted by the target in the form of neutrons and x-rays, respectively. Calculated emergent spectra for the target neutrons and x rays are also presented.