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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.
R. M. Hunt, M. Narula, M. A. Ulrickson, T. T. Martin, A. Ying
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 56 | Number 1 | July 2009 | Pages 38-42
ITER | Eighteenth Topical Meeting on the Technology of Fusion Energy (Part 1) | doi.org/10.13182/FST09-A8872
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Understanding the manner in which the First Wall Qualification Mockup (FWQM) responds structurally to simulated ITER conditions is important to the establishment of a reliable first wall. This paper provides a thermal and structural response analysis for the first round of qualification tests performed at Sandia National Laboratories. The results display the stresses and strains created in the FWQM as a result of the thermal expansion that occurred when subjected to cyclic heat flux under simulated ITER normal and MARFE conditions. From this structural response, further insight may be gained into the likelihood of fatigue failure of the Beryllium//CuCrZr interface once the first wall is in operation in ITER. While fully determining the reliability of this joint is beyond the scope of this study, some suggestions are made as to how this topic might be addressed with further research. Also investigated are the thermal patterns seen during testing that indicated slight variation from the intended test parameters. It is shown that these disparities from the ideal test parameters do not significantly affect the qualification of the FWQM.