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Conference Spotlight
Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
September 8–11, 2025
Atlanta, GA|Atlanta Marriott Marquis
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August 2025
Latest News
New coolants, new fuels: A new generation of university reactors
Here’s an easy way to make aging U.S. power reactors look relatively youthful: Compare them (average age: 43) with the nation’s university research reactors. The 25 operating today have been licensed for an average of about 58 years.
D. Steiner
Nuclear Science and Engineering | Volume 58 | Number 2 | October 1975 | Pages 107-165
Critical Review | doi.org/10.13182/NSE75-A28219
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
In this paper the major technological requirements for fusion power, as implied by current conceptual designs of fusion power plants, are elucidated and assessed. As the point of departure the four fusion reactor concepts that have been most thoroughly considered in these design studies are described; they are the mirror, the theta-pinch, the Tokamak, and the laser-pellet concepts. The required technology is discussed relative to three principal areas of concern: (a) the power balance, that is, the unique power handling requirements associated with the production of electrical power by fusion; (b) reactor design, focusing primarily on the requirements imposed by a tritium-based fuel cycle, thermal-hydraulic considerations, and magnet systems; and (c) materials considerations, including surface erosion, radiation effects, materials compatibility, and neutron-induced activation. The major conclusions of the paper are summarized in a final section where it is noted that research and development programs have been initiated to satisfy the technological requirements associated with the realization of commercial fusion power.