Assessment of Inertial Confinement Fusion Targets

Assessment of Inertial Confinement Fusion Targets
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 119
Release: 2013-07-17
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0309270626

In the fall of 2010, the Office of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Secretary for Science asked for a National Research Council (NRC) committee to investigate the prospects for generating power using inertial confinement fusion (ICF) concepts, acknowledging that a key test of viability for this concept-ignition -could be demonstrated at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in the relatively near term. The committee was asked to provide an unclassified report. However, DOE indicated that to fully assess this topic, the committee's deliberations would have to be informed by the results of some classified experiments and information, particularly in the area of ICF targets and nonproliferation. Thus, the Panel on the Assessment of Inertial Confinement Fusion Targets ("the panel") was assembled, composed of experts able to access the needed information. The panel was charged with advising the Committee on the Prospects for Inertial Confinement Fusion Energy Systems on these issues, both by internal discussion and by this unclassified report. A Panel on Fusion Target Physics ("the panel") will serve as a technical resource to the Committee on Inertial Confinement Energy Systems ("the Committee") and will prepare a report that describes the R&D challenges to providing suitable targets, on the basis of parameters established and provided to the Panel by the Committee. The Panel on Fusion Target Physics will prepare a report that will assess the current performance of fusion targets associated with various ICF concepts in order to understand: 1. The spectrum output; 2. The illumination geometry; 3. The high-gain geometry; and 4. The robustness of the target design. The panel addressed the potential impacts of the use and development of current concepts for Inertial Fusion Energy on the proliferation of nuclear weapons information and technology, as appropriate. The Panel examined technology options, but does not provide recommendations specific to any currently operating or proposed ICF facility.

An Introduction to Inertial Confinement Fusion

An Introduction to Inertial Confinement Fusion
Author: Susanne Pfalzner
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 244
Release: 2006-03-02
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1420011847

Newcomers to the field of inertial confinement fusion (ICF) often have difficulty establishing a clear picture of the overall field. The reason for this is because, while there are many books devoted to special topics within the field, there is none that provides an overview of the field as a whole. An Introduction to Inertial Confinement Fusion fi

The Release of Thermonuclear Energy by Inertial Confinement

The Release of Thermonuclear Energy by Inertial Confinement
Author: Friedwardt Winterberg
Publisher: World Scientific
Total Pages: 437
Release: 2010
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9814295906

This is a comprehensive book which describes the three essential parts of what is known as "Inertial Confinement Fusion": the way thermonuclear burn takes place in non-magnetized, magnetized and fusion-fission hybrid assemblies; the pulse power ignition technology (nuclear, electrical, optical and chemical); and the applications of inertial confinement fusion technology for peaceful nuclear energy on Earth and in space. An integrated single text of such extensive technical width is a rare find, and younger generations of nuclear engineers any physicists will appreciate this book as a companion to their traditional textbooks.

An Assessment of the Prospects for Inertial Fusion Energy

An Assessment of the Prospects for Inertial Fusion Energy
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 247
Release: 2013-07-05
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0309272246

The potential for using fusion energy to produce commercial electric power was first explored in the 1950s. Harnessing fusion energy offers the prospect of a nearly carbon-free energy source with a virtually unlimited supply of fuel. Unlike nuclear fission plants, appropriately designed fusion power plants would not produce the large amounts of high-level nuclear waste that requires long-term disposal. Due to these prospects, many nations have initiated research and development (R&D) programs aimed at developing fusion as an energy source. Two R&D approaches are being explored: magnetic fusion energy (MFE) and inertial fusion energy (IFE). An Assessment of the Prospects for Inertial Fusion Energy describes and assesses the current status of IFE research in the United States; compares the various technical approaches to IFE; and identifies the scientific and engineering challenges associated with developing inertial confinement fusion (ICF) in particular as an energy source. It also provides guidance on an R&D roadmap at the conceptual level for a national program focusing on the design and construction of an inertial fusion energy demonstration plant.

Centauri Dreams

Centauri Dreams
Author: Paul Gilster
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 336
Release: 2004
Genre: Alpha Centauri
ISBN: 9780387004365

"[T]ells the story of what the key researchers in interstellar exploration are doing, and how they move their projects forward, when most of the relevant science has not been experimentally verified, and most of the engineering is still decades, if not centuries, into the future."--Cover.

Plasma Scattering of Electromagnetic Radiation

Plasma Scattering of Electromagnetic Radiation
Author: John Sheffield
Publisher: Academic Press
Total Pages: 512
Release: 2010-11-25
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0080952038

This work presents one of the most powerful methods of plasma diagnosis in exquisite detail, to guide researchers in the theory and measurement techniques of light scattering in plasmas. Light scattering in plasmas is essential in the research and development of fusion energy, environmental solutions, and electronics.Referred to as the "Bible" by researchers, the work encompasses fusion and industrial applications essential in plasma research. It is the only comprehensive resource specific to the plasma scattering technique. It provides a wide-range of experimental examples and discussion of their principles with worked examples to assist researchers in applying the theory. - Computing techniques for solving basic equations helps researchers compare data to the actual experiment - New material on advances on the experimental side, such as the application of high density plasmas of inertial fusion - Worked out examples of the scattering technique for easier comprehension of theory

Future Spacecraft Propulsion Systems

Future Spacecraft Propulsion Systems
Author: Paul A. Czysz
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 488
Release: 2006-09-19
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 3540376410

An understandable perspective on the types of space propulsion systems necessary to enable low-cost space flights to Earth orbit and to the Moon and the future developments necessary for exploration of the solar system and beyond to the stars.

Future Spacecraft Propulsion Systems

Future Spacecraft Propulsion Systems
Author: Claudio Bruno
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 574
Release: 2009-03-20
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 3540888144

An understandable perspective on the types of space propulsion systems necessary to enable low-cost space flights to Earth orbit and to the Moon and the future developments necessary for exploration of the solar system and beyond to the stars.

Combustion Physics

Combustion Physics
Author: Michael A. Liberman
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 620
Release: 2021-11-14
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3030851397

This book provides the latest achievements and original research work in physics of combustion processes and application of the methods developed in combustion physics for astrophysical problems of stars burning, supernovae explosions and a confined thermonuclear fusion. All the materials in the book are presented in a concise and easily accessible way, but at the same time provides a deep physical inside in the phenomena considered. It is an effective theoretical course with the direct practical implications in engineering fields of engine’s development, energy production, safety issues inherent to terrestrial combustion, as well as in thermonuclear combustion in the inertial fusion. This book is aimed at university students, Ph.D. students and engineers, as well as professionals in combustion, energy-related research, astrophysics and researchers in neighboring fields.