Record for Nuclear Fusion Set in MIT Tokamak Reactor

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around a recent achievement in nuclear fusion at the MIT Alcator C-Mod tokamak reactor, specifically regarding the record-setting plasma pressure and the implications of operating the reactor at maximum capacity. Participants explore the safety concerns and operational strategies related to high-energy fusion experiments.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express interest in the record for plasma pressure achieved at the MIT reactor, noting its significance for clean energy.
  • There is a suggestion that maximizing the reactor's performance at the end of its operational life could be a valid strategy, despite potential risks.
  • Concerns are raised about the implications of operating a multi Megawatt device in a shared building, particularly regarding safety and the impact on neighboring facilities.
  • One participant argues that the risk of catastrophic failure is minimal, suggesting that the worst-case scenario would involve damage to reactor components rather than a dangerous explosion.
  • Another participant highlights concerns about the power input to the reactor and the behavior of superconducting magnets if they were to quench uncontrollably.
  • It is noted that the reactor utilizes normalconducting magnets, which may influence the safety considerations discussed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the safety and operational strategies of the reactor, with some emphasizing the risks and others downplaying them. No consensus is reached regarding the appropriateness of pushing the reactor to its limits.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various assumptions about the reactor's operational safety, the nature of the risks involved, and the specific technologies used, which may affect the overall discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those involved in nuclear fusion research, safety engineering, and energy policy, as well as individuals curious about the operational aspects of fusion reactors.

wolram
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I found this site very interesting.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/10/161021133915.htm

Date:
October 21, 2016
Source:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Summary:
Scientists and engineers recently made a leap forward in the pursuit of clean energy. The team set a new world record for plasma pressure in an Alcator C-Mod tokamak nuclear fusion reactor. Plasma pressure is the key ingredient to producing energy from nuclear fusion, and MIT's new result achieves over 2 atmospheres of pressure for the first time.
 
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At the last day of operation. If you don't care if something breaks, why not try to get the maximum out of it?
 
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They are in a shared building in the middle of Boston. I don't think going Myth Busters on a multi Megawatt device is especially good for the other facilities housed in that building or perhaps neighboring buildings.

BoB
 
rbelli1 said:
They are in a shared building in the middle of Boston. I don't think going Myth Busters on a multi Megawatt device is especially good for the other facilities housed in that building or perhaps neighboring buildings.

The danger of a catastrophic explosion is simply not a possibility. Other than perhaps an arc flash, I'm betting the worst you could get is some fried electrical components or damaged valves/probes/other fragile reactor components.
 
Exactly. The worst case for fusion reactors is a damaged reactor. The overall energy in the plasma is tiny, it is not even sufficient to melt the reactor walls.
 
I was more worried about the multi Megawatt power input to the device. Large energized superconducting magnets can do some interesting things if uncontrollably quenched.

BoB
 
The reactor used normalconducting magnets.
 
Well turn it up to 11 then!

BoB
 

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