Articles tagged with Fusion Reactors
Venkat Selvamanickam, a University of Houston engineering professor, has been recognized by the National Academy of Engineering for his contributions to industrial-scale advanced manufacturing processes for high-temperature superconductor wires. His work has transformed the energy industry and modernized electric grids, strengthening e...
ORNL and Kyoto Fusioneering have established a public-private partnership to develop cutting-edge experimental infrastructure for testing next-generation tritium breeding blanket systems. The UNITY-3 facility will be sited at ORNL and complement existing facilities in Japan and Canada, advancing mutual research and commercial goals.
Hundreds of physicists from around the world will convene to present new research at the 67th annual meeting of the American Physical Society’s Division of Plasma Physics. The conference features presentations on fusion energy, plasma turbulence, laser plasma acceleration, and more.
Researchers propose using argon-⁴⁰Ar as a cost-effective alternative to ⁴⁸Ca for synthesizing superheavy elements. The new method achieves comparable evaporation residue cross sections and requires significantly less beam energy.
A University of Texas-led team has discovered a shortcut to design leak-proof magnetic confinement systems in stellarator reactors, addressing a 70-year-old challenge. This breakthrough enables engineers to simulate the system more efficiently without sacrificing accuracy, paving the way for the development of reliable fusion energy.
ITER has completed its pulsed superconducting electromagnet system, the largest and most powerful in the world, with significant contributions from USA, Russia, Europe, and China. The system is expected to produce a tenfold energy gain and demonstrate the viability of fusion as an abundant, safe, carbon-free energy source.
Researchers developed an advanced microscopic method to map residual stress in ultra-narrow weld zones, revealing the impact on P91 steel's strength and brittleness. The findings provide critical insights for designing safer and longer-lasting fusion energy systems.
A team of researchers used computer code M3D-C1 to model different valve configurations and found that six gas valves provide optimal protection for rapidly dispersing cooling gas. The study's findings will help bring fusion power closer to reality by advancing disruption mitigation strategies.
Three PPPL researchers, Frances Kraus, Jason Parisi, and Willca Villafana, are recognized for their innovative contributions to plasma physics. Their work covers various areas, including high-temperature fusion plasmas and low-temperature plasma simulations.
Physicists have created a new code, QUADCOIL, to design stellarators, which could lead to simpler and more affordable fusion facilities. The code helps balance physics and engineering by quickly ruling out unstable plasma shapes and predicting magnet complexities.
New research exposes samples to superheated plasma, revealing that carbon is the main cause of trapped fuel. The study aims to improve materials for future fusion power plants like ITER by minimizing carbon content.
The EAST experimental tokamak has achieved a significant milestone in fusion research by maintaining steady-state high-confinement plasma operation for 1,066 seconds. This accomplishment marks a critical step towards developing an artificial sun and providing humanity with a limitless and clean energy source.
The SMART device has successfully generated its first tokamak plasma, bringing international fusion community closer to achieving sustainable and clean energy. The achievement represents a major step towards the development of compact fusion power plants based on Spherical Tokamaks.
Elena Belova, a theoretical physicist, developed complex simulations of plasmas in fusion experiments. Yevgeny Raitses, an experimental researcher, contributed to low-temperature plasma and diagnostics research. Both were honored as Distinguished Research Fellows at PPPL.
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville has been awarded a $20 million grant from the US Department of Energy to develop high-performance materials for fusion energy systems. The project, IMPACT, aims to revolutionize material design and manufacturing, addressing a key challenge in making fusion energy commercially viable.
Researchers Choongseok Chang, Seung-Hoe Ku, and Robert Hager developed simulations that closely matched experiments in the DIII-D device, revealing that turbulence doubles the exhaust layer width. This discovery supports predictions that ITER could have a broader exhaust footprint than previously thought.
International researchers have found that energetic particles can alter the structure of edge-localized modes in tokamaks. This interaction mechanism could lead to more efficient ELM control techniques and improved plasma stability. The study's results have significant implications for future fusion power plants.
Researchers at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have developed a technique to prevent unwanted waves that siphon off needed energy, increasing the efficiency of fusion reactions. Positioning a metal grate at a slight angle enhances heat put into the plasma and reduces slow modes, leading to more powerful and efficient fusion heating.
Researchers at Seoul National University have clarified the mechanism behind runaway electrons generated during tokamak fusion reactor startup. The binary nature of collisions facilitates runaway electron generation, addressing a theoretical bottleneck in fusion reactor design.
Researchers tested ODS FeCrAl alloys in a liquid LiPb environment and found that they form durable γ-LiAlO2 layers, which provide strong resistance to corrosion. The study's findings are crucial for improving material durability in fusion reactors and high-temperature energy systems.
A new approach could overcome major barriers to practical fusion energy production by adjusting fuel properties using spin polarization. This method could increase tritium burn efficiency, reducing the amount needed and lowering operating costs.
Researchers used computational methods to screen potential plasma-facing materials for fusion reactors, considering factors like thermal resistance and neutron bombardment. A shortlist of 21 materials was identified, including tungsten, diamond, and tantalum nitride, which showed promise for divertor applications.
The project aims to identify and fabricate optimized first-wall materials using advanced computer simulations enhanced by machine learning, accelerating the discovery of new materials by 100-fold. The research will leverage synthesis, irradiation, and testing facilities to conduct a high-impact materials discovery campaign.
Brian Leard, a PhD student at Lehigh University, has been awarded a prestigious DOE grant to conduct research at the DIII-D National Fusion Facility. He aims to develop simulation codes that can optimize actuator operation and improve the accuracy of plasma physics predictions.
Researchers have developed new AI models for plasma heating that can predict plasma behavior more accurately than existing numerical codes. The models use machine learning to analyze data generated by a computer code, enabling faster simulations without compromising accuracy.
Researchers at PPPL have found that adding boron powder to a tokamak's plasma can shield the wall from tungsten atoms, preventing cooling and sustaining fusion reactions. Computer modeling suggests the powder may only need to be sprinkled from one location for effective distribution.
The SMall Aspect Ratio Tokamak (SMART) is a compact spherical tokamak that benefits from PPPL computer codes and expertise in magnetics and sensor systems. Negative triangularity is expected to offer enhanced performance by suppressing instabilities and preventing damage to the tokamak wall.
Researchers predicted promising reactions for creating double magic nuclei, such as <sup> 298 </sup> Fl and <sup> 304 </sup> 120. These elements could have unique properties and deepen understanding of atomic forces. The study is a step closer to the 'Island of Stability', where long-lasting superheavy nuclei might exist.
Scientists at PPPL envision a hot region with flowing liquid metal that protects the inside of the tokamak from intense heat. The new simulations reflect additional information, including collisions between neutral particles, and determine the best location for the lithium vapor cave is near the bottom of the tokamak by the center stack.
Scientists at DOE's Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory and Kyushu University in Japan have proposed a design for a compact, spherical fusion pilot plant that heats plasma using only microwaves. The new approach eliminates ohmic heating, freeing up space and potentially making the vessel cheaper to build.
Scientists at National Institutes of Natural Sciences found that adjusting the anisotropic nature of energetic ions can regulate plasma inflow and outflow rates. This discovery has significant implications for fusion reactor performance, downsizing, and energy output.
Researchers at PPPL have found a new mechanism that reduces the risk of damage to tokamak vessels by spreading exhaust heat across a larger area. The discovery challenges previous assumptions about plasma turbulence and its impact on the vessel's performance.
A team of researchers from Princeton University and the US Department of Energy's PPPL have successfully deployed machine learning methods to suppress harmful edge instabilities in fusion devices. Their approach optimizes the system's suppression response in real-time, maintaining high plasma performance without sacrificing stability.
A new model refines understanding of plasma edge stability, impacting commercial fusion power. The 'apple' shape tokamaks show greater stability than traditional donut-shaped ones.
PPPL researchers utilize machine learning to perfect plasma vessel design, optimize heating methods, and maintain stable control of fusion reactions. The team achieves significant results by predicting disruptions and adjusting settings before instabilities occur, enabling high-confinement modes in tokamaks.
Scientists at Zap Energy have achieved a major breakthrough in fusion technology, creating a plasma with electron temperatures of up to 37 million degrees Celsius. The company's sheared-flow-stabilized Z pinch device far exceeds the previous record and offers a promising path to commercial fusion energy.
Scientists at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory successfully simulate a novel combination method for managing fusion plasma. By combining electron cyclotron current drive (ECCD) and resonant magnetic perturbations (RMP), researchers can create a more stable plasma edge, reducing the amount of current required to generate RMPs.
The team determined the maximum density of neutral particles beyond the edge of a plasma that still allows for a flat-edge temperature profile, enabling stable fusion. They found that going beyond this threshold can lead to instabilities and a peaked temperature profile.
Research by the University of Oklahoma reveals that Americans have broad public support for fusion energy, but limited knowledge and frequent misconceptions. The study's findings emphasize the importance of addressing public confusion and desire for safety to expand fusion energy support.
Researchers discovered a new class of plasma oscillations that can exhibit extraordinary features, enabling innovative advancements in particle acceleration and fusion. This finding has significant implications for achieving clean-burning commercial fusion energy.
Scientists identify conditions for HTS magnets to safely operate without risk of sudden heat build-up, using advanced temperature monitoring systems. They also plan to test their approach on actual coils wound with HTS conductor material.
The INFUSE workshop brought together over 120 people from private and public sectors to discuss fusion energy partnerships. The event focused on networking opportunities, with technical sessions kept minimal to prioritize collaboration, and featured presentations about successful INFUSE projects.
Researchers successfully enhanced plasma stability in a fusion reaction by utilizing weaknesses in magnetic fields to confine the reaction. This approach, validated through experiments at KSTAR tokamak, improves simultaneous control of instabilities in the core and edge of the plasma.
Researchers at MIT and Commonwealth Fusion Systems confirm their high-temperature superconducting magnet design meets the criteria for a compact fusion power plant. The successful test marks a significant milestone in fusion research, with the potential to usher in an era of virtually limitless power production.
A Princeton University team developed an AI model that can forecast potential plasma instabilities up to 300 milliseconds in advance, allowing for real-time adjustments to avoid reaction-ending escapes. The model uses past experimental data and demonstrates a promising approach to solving a broad range of plasma instabilities.
Researchers from the University of Rochester's Laboratory for Laser Energetics demonstrated an effective 'spark plug' for direct-drive methods of inertial confinement fusion (ICF), achieving a plasma hot enough to initiate fusion reactions. The successful experiments use the OMEGA laser system, with the goal of eventually producing fus...
A new control system optimizes predictive models with real-time observations, predicting fusion plasma behavior with high accuracy. This approach enables adaptive predictive control in uncertain conditions, laying the foundation for fusion reactor control.
The Lehigh University Plasma Control Group is working on advanced controls and machine learning to improve plasma dynamics simulation capabilities and stabilize superheated gases in future reactors. The goal is to address technological issues with ITER and FPP, ensuring safe and controllable operation.
Researchers at UW-Madison created a new material that can absorb and trap hydrogen particles, protecting fusion reactor walls from damage. The cold spray coating technology uses tantalum to create a surface that can regenerate itself by expelling trapped hydrogen.
The University of Rochester's Laboratory for Laser Energetics leads a new national research hub focused on advancing inertial fusion energy science and technology. The IFE-COLoR hub aims to overcome laser-plasma instabilities, a major obstacle in achieving efficient laser coupling for inertial confinement fusion.
Researchers at Auburn University are developing a Findable, Interoperable, Accessible, and Reusable (FAIR) data platform to manage fusion device data according to FAIR standards. The project aims to accelerate fusion energy research by enabling strong collaborations and promoting diversity in the workforce.
Researchers have developed a compact α-Al2O3 protective layer that can stick to metal surfaces, providing outstanding protection in high-temperature liquid metal environments. The layer's unique structure and properties promote adhesion strength and resist peeling, making it an innovative solution for extending the service life of liqu...
Scientists at NIFS have created a stable and strong High-Temperature Superconducting (HTS) large-current conductor, named STARS, that can be applied to fusion reactors. The new conductor overcomes challenges in twisting and transposing thin wires, achieving higher current densities than Low-Temperature Superconductors.
Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a new fusion model that accurately predicts the rotational temperature of hydrogen molecules near the walls of tokamaks. This innovation enables the effective management of heat load and extends the lifetime of future fusion devices.
Zap Energy has developed a method to measure and calculate Q, the net energy gain, in its sheared-flow-stabilized Z-pinch fusion plasmas. The company measures temperature, density, and flow velocity to determine plasma confinement duration.
The DOE's Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program supports Zap Energy's sheared-flow-stabilized Z-pinch technology, a promising approach to fusion energy. With $5 million in funding, Zap aims to develop a grid-ready power source and engage with local communities.
New research from Princeton University suggests that fusion energy's viability hinges on economics, not just engineering challenges. The model results indicate that a favorable market can enable fusion to reach 100 GW capacity despite high capital costs, but competing technologies may require lower prices.
A team of Japanese researchers discovered that adding neon to a hydrogen ice pellet can cool the plasma more effectively, reducing pressure and preventing ejection. This breakthrough contributes to establishing plasma control technologies for future fusion reactors.
Lehigh University has received nearly $1.75 million in funding from the US Department of Energy to support fusion energy research, specifically for ITER's long-pulse scenarios. The project aims to prepare ITER for operation and address critical research questions related to plasma control.
Researchers used machine learning to track turbulent structures in fusion reactors, gaining detailed information on their behavior and heat flows. The approach enables more accurate engineering requirements for reactor walls and could lead to improved energy efficiency.