Fusion Redux

popularmechanics.com ^ | JIM WILSON

[WildTurkey]

Why is neutron production a concern? Neutron activation of materials in the reactor is one reason. However, the most important reason, those neutrons can be used for plutonium production. Would we want to sell a fusion reactor to Saddam Hussein, if he were still in power. Other questionable sales would include, North Korea, Syria, Iran, etc.

Every nuclear power plant now in operation produces neutrons and PU.

[punster]

"Every nuclear power plant now in operation produces neutrons and PU."

The point I wanted to make, the problem of illicit PU-239 production does not go away. The reaction path for the production of Pu-239 is:

U-238 + n yields U-239

U-239 yields Np-239 + Beta

Np-239 yields Pu-239 + Beta

To optimize the production of Pu-239, the U-239, Np-239, and the Pu-239 must be removed before further neutrons are added. I believe it is possible (in a fusion reactor) for them to be removed almost as soon as they are created.

[Arkie2]

"We have shown that, in principle, it is possible to eliminate turbulence," he says. "To me, this is just a mind-boggling achievement. With adequate federal funding, a prototype nuclear fusion reactor could be tested within 30 to 40 years. A commercial reactor could be deployed by the middle of the century

That above was what the article actually said . They haven't solved anything, just "it's possible in principle". To me that just sounds like more bureaucratize for "we need more money".

[RightWhale]

I got the impression the writer thinks

The writer could use a course in predicate logic. Or not. Probably a waste of time and money.

[expatpat]

Hype for plasma physics to get more government money. As regards modelling, I quote: "To get results from MHD modelling takes the most brilliant mathemetical physicists -- to believe them requires the biggest idiots."

[KC_for_Freedom]

How would it be solved? (Radioactive waste storage management)

Identify a place that is dry and geographically stable --Nevada comes to mind. Secure the place well from potential terrorism, like put it on a military base. And pay the state citizens enough so that they receive a benefit that overcomes all the phony histeria that they will have to live with from people who are basically trying to stop new power sources for environmentalist reasons. (I.E. to stop growth.)

The solution will mean some real estate will be forever (several generations for sure) unusable for anything else, but there is space available.

[rommy]

Very interesting!

There's a lot of exciting research going on the the field of nuclear fusion today and of course most of it is very difficult for a layman like myself to understand. (My background is in history and social sciences.)

Fascinating nonetheless though.

And we can only hope it promises real energy independance for both America and the rest of the world.

Everytime I read about new research being done in the field of nuclear fusion, I am filled with hope for the future.