Is there such thing as plasma fusion if so how does it work

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Plasma fusion is a process where hydrogen isotopes, specifically deuterium and tritium, are heated to extreme temperatures, allowing their nuclei to collide and fuse. Magnetic confinement is one method used to achieve this, though it is only commercially viable if the energy output from the fusion reaction surpasses the energy input required for heating and confinement. The sun serves as a natural example of fusion, where gravity maintains high pressures and densities, conditions that are challenging to replicate on Earth. All current fusion experiments utilize plasma as the medium for fusion reactions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnetic confinement techniques
  • Knowledge of hydrogen isotopes, specifically deuterium and tritium
  • Familiarity with plasma physics and ionization processes
  • Basic principles of thermodynamics related to energy input and output
NEXT STEPS
  • Research magnetic confinement fusion methods, such as Tokamak and Stellarator
  • Explore the properties and applications of deuterium and tritium in fusion
  • Study plasma physics, focusing on ionization and thermal dynamics
  • Investigate current advancements in commercial fusion energy projects
USEFUL FOR

Researchers, physicists, and engineers interested in nuclear fusion, energy production, and plasma physics will benefit from this discussion.

Ben.meyer
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
Is there such thing as plasma fusion if so how does it work?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Ben.meyer said:
Is there such thing as plasma fusion if so how does it work?
Magnetic confinement of a hydrogen plasma (deuterium and tritium) is one possibility for fusion. Basic the plasma is heated to a temperature at which the nuclei collide and fuse. It only makes commerical sense if the useful energy output from the fusion reaction exceeds the energy input to heat and confine the plasma.

The sun is an example of fusion occurring in the plasma. The is not constrained as are terrestrial plasmas. The suns gravity holds the plasma under high pressures and densities, much greater than those achievable in terrestrial plasmas.
 
Ben.meyer said:
Is there such thing as plasma fusion if so how does it work?

All fusion done so far is "plasma fusion" as far as I know. The temperatures you must heat the fuel to ionizes it completely and turns it into a plasma.
 

Similar threads

Why can't we simply use an atomic bomb to get the fusion working?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
Cylindrical and Symmetrical Nuclear Fusion Reactor
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
Can Flame Jets Effectively Constrain Plasma in Fusion Reactors?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
How does D-T fusion reaction utilize its waste to create more fuel?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
New approach to stabilize fusion plasmas
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
What is the most efficient method for heating plasma in fusion reactors?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Sound waves inside an inert gas fusion reactor
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Tokamak question: What happens when you shine a laser on the plasma?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Getting into Plasma Physics and Fusion
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
844
Fusion research idea involving more pressure
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
543