Nuclear Fusion Flashcards
4 advantages of fusion over fission?
Less radioactive waste, shorter half lives of radioactive waste, safer due to no runaway criticality and plentiful fuel.
2 isotopes of hydrogen used in fusion?
Deuterium (d) and Tritium (t)
Most likely fusion reaction?
D-T fusion, using tritium from a lithium breeding programme.
Temperature requirements for thermonuclear fusion?
About 10^8K, or 10keV
Fusion reaction rate density?
The product of the two fuel number densities with cross section σ and average velocity v.
Fusion energy gain factor?
Q. The ratio of the fusion power generated to the provided heat power. At break even, Q=1.
What happens at ignition?
The energy deposited in the plasma by fusion reactions is equal to energy losses. (Q=5 for D-T)
How does magnetic confinement work?
Plasma is held by toroidal and poloidal magnetic fields in a tokamak. The current induced in the plasma provides energy through resistive heating.
Function of a diverter in a fusion reactor?
Removes impurities and fusion products through their charges.
How does inertial confinement work?
Lasers heat a stationary target, providing enough energy for it to compress and undergo fusion.
