Electrostatically confined fusion reactor

In summary, electrostatically confined plasma fed with tritium may not produce enough energetic neutrons to create tritium from irradiated deuterium. It is more effective to use a (n,alpha) reaction with Li to produce tritium, as deuterium has a low cross-section for thermal neutron absorption compared to hydrogen and Li-6. Additionally, D-D fusion may produce tritium in 50% of reactions, but the energy input is significant and still less than the n-absorption by Li-6.
  • #1
MR. P
does an electrostatically confined plasma fed tritium produce energetic e3nough neutrons to create tritium if allowed to irradiate deutrium ?
 
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  • #2
It is more effective to produce tritium from an (n,alpha) reaction with Li.

The problem of producing T from D is that D has such a low cross-section for thremal neutron absorption. The microscopic absorption for thermal n's by D is approximately 0.5 mb (or 0.0005 barn) vs the n-absorption cross-section for H of ~0.33 barn, and ~0.9 barn for Li-6.

Also D-D fusion produces T in ~50% of reactions, but again the energy input is considerable, and much greater than n-absorption by Li-6.
 
  • #3


An electrostatically confined fusion reactor is a type of fusion reactor that uses electric fields to confine and heat a plasma of deuterium and tritium, two isotopes of hydrogen. This confinement allows for the fusion of these isotopes, releasing large amounts of energy. In order for this process to be sustained, a continuous supply of tritium is required.

In this context, it is important to consider whether an electrostatically confined plasma fed tritium can produce enough energetic neutrons to create more tritium when irradiating deuterium. The answer to this question is yes. The fusion reaction between deuterium and tritium produces high-energy neutrons, which can then be used to create more tritium through a process called neutron capture.

Neutron capture involves trapping the high-energy neutrons produced by the fusion reaction and using them to bombard and transmute a surrounding material, such as lithium, into tritium. This process is essential for sustaining the fusion reaction and ensuring a continuous supply of tritium.

Therefore, an electrostatically confined fusion reactor can produce enough energetic neutrons to create more tritium when irradiating deuterium. However, it is important to note that the efficiency of this process is still being researched and improved upon.
 

1. What is an electrostatically confined fusion reactor?

An electrostatically confined fusion reactor is a type of nuclear fusion reactor that uses electric fields to contain and heat a plasma of hydrogen isotopes to the extreme temperatures necessary for fusion to occur. It is an alternative to the more commonly known magnetic confinement fusion reactors.

2. How does an electrostatically confined fusion reactor work?

An electrostatically confined fusion reactor works by using a combination of electric fields to trap and compress a plasma of hydrogen isotopes, causing the nuclei to collide and fuse, releasing large amounts of energy. The electric fields are created by a series of electrodes surrounding the plasma.

3. What are the advantages of electrostatically confined fusion reactors?

One of the main advantages of electrostatically confined fusion reactors is that they do not require large and expensive magnets like magnetic confinement fusion reactors. They also have the potential to be more compact and have lower operating costs. Additionally, they produce less radioactive waste compared to traditional nuclear fission reactors.

4. What are the challenges of developing an electrostatically confined fusion reactor?

The main challenge in developing an electrostatically confined fusion reactor is achieving and maintaining the extreme temperatures and pressures necessary for fusion to occur. This requires precise control of the electric fields and avoiding instabilities in the plasma. There are also challenges in finding suitable materials that can withstand the high temperatures and radiation in the reactor.

5. What is the current status of electrostatically confined fusion reactor research?

Research on electrostatically confined fusion reactors is ongoing, and there are several experimental reactors in operation around the world. However, there are still many technical challenges that need to be overcome before a commercially viable reactor can be developed. Scientists and engineers are constantly working to improve the design and efficiency of these reactors.

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