Undergrad Can a fusion reaction propagate in a cappilary?

[Christofer Br]

Can fusion reaction propagate inside a (very thick walled) cappilary if fusion has been initiated at one end? In this situation it seems like all the energy would have nowhere to go but into heating and pressurizing the fuel, providing conditions for further reaction.

I imagine this is a difficult question to answer without deeper analysis, but I am certain this idea has been explored in some research, hence I am hoping someone more well versed in the topic will know the answer here

 

[berkeman]

Interesting question, but how do you maintain the Lawson Criterion when the fusing material is in contact with the walls of the capillary tube (causing heat loss), and there is nothing to maintain the very high pressures necessary? ICF works because of the 3-D implosion geometry and no contact of the pellet plasma with any walls.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawson_criterion

 

[mfb]

If you have a magic capillary that reflects all radiation, does not heat up at all and holds arbitrary pressure: Yes.
Do you?