Questions Regarding Energy Generating Fusion

In summary: The temperature required for fusion depends on the atomic numbers of the nuclei used in the process, the lowest temperatures being for hydrogen isotopes. The reaction rate (RR) is proportional to n1n2 or n2/2, where n1 and n2 are the ion densities of reacting species 1 and 2 (e.g., d+t), n where there is one ion species (e.g. d+d). RR = n1n2<σv>, where <σv> is more or less the integrated probability of reaction. <σv> is a complicated function of temperature and species. There is no magnetic attraction involved. Magnetic confinement is used to 'conf
  • #1
Denyven
19
0
Hi All,
I was wondering about some equations/formulae related to Fusion. How much energy/what temperature does it take to initiate Fusion? And how is this amount of energy affected by the different element/isotopes used, pressure, magnetic attraction and other variables?

Thanks in advanced.
 
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  • #2
Denyven said:
Hi All,
I was wondering about some equations/formulae related to Fusion. How much energy/what temperature does it take to initiate Fusion? And how is this amount of energy affected by the different element/isotopes used, pressure, magnetic attraction and other variables?

Thanks in advanced.
You're asking for a basic course in fusion. The temperature required for fusion depends on the atomic numbers of the nuclei used in the process, the lowest temperatures being for hydrogen isotopes.

One also needs to understand the concept of microscopic cross-section, which is dependent of the species reacting.

The reaction rate (RR) is proportional to n1n2 or n2/2, where n1 and n2 are the ion densities of reacting species 1 and 2 (e.g., d+t), n where there is one ion species (e.g. d+d).

RR = n1n2<σv>, where <σv> is more or less the integrated probability of reaction. <σv> is a complicated function of temperature and species.

There is no magnetic attraction involved. Magnetic confinement is used to 'confine' the plasma as well as maintaining pressure on the plasma. Magnetic pressure is proportional to the square of the magetic field strength.

Look at the bottom of this page
https://wiki.engr.illinois.edu/display/npre421/NPRE+421+Plasma+and+Fusion+Science+-+Spring+2009
Particularly Chapter 2.
https://wiki.engr.illinois.edu/download/attachments/19302090/Chapter+02.pdf
 
  • #3
Is there online a basic course in the math behind cold fusion? Or the equations describing a deuteron impacting a deuteron trapped in a metal lattice?

Astronuc said:
You're asking for a basic course in fusion.
 

1. What is energy generating fusion?

Energy generating fusion is a process in which two atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy in the process. This energy can then be used to generate electricity.

2. How is energy generating fusion different from energy generating fission?

Energy generating fusion is the combination of two atomic nuclei, while energy generating fission is the splitting of a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei. Fusion releases more energy per unit mass than fission, and produces less radioactive waste, making it a more efficient and cleaner source of energy.

3. What materials are used in energy generating fusion?

The most commonly used material in energy generating fusion is hydrogen isotopes, such as deuterium and tritium. These are abundant in seawater and can easily be extracted for use in fusion reactions. Other materials, such as lithium, may also be used as fuel for fusion reactions.

4. What are the challenges in achieving successful energy generating fusion?

The main challenges in achieving successful energy generating fusion include creating and sustaining the extreme temperatures and pressures necessary for fusion reactions to occur, containing the high-energy plasma, and managing the production of neutrons, which can damage the materials used in the fusion reactor.

5. Is energy generating fusion a viable source of energy for the future?

While significant progress has been made in the field of energy generating fusion, there are still technical and economic challenges that need to be overcome before it can be a commercially viable source of energy. However, many scientists and researchers believe that with continued advancements and investments, energy generating fusion could potentially become a major source of clean and sustainable energy in the future.

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