Record for Nuclear Fusion Set in MIT Tokamak Reactor

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In summary, scientists and engineers have achieved a new world record for plasma pressure in an Alcator C-Mod tokamak nuclear fusion reactor, reaching over 2 atmospheres for the first time. This significant breakthrough brings us closer to clean energy production through nuclear fusion. However, some concerns have been raised about the potential danger of operating such a powerful device in a shared building.
  • #1
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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  • #2
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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  • #3
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
 
  • #4
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.
 
  • #5
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.
 
  • #6
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
 
  • #7
The reactor used normalconducting magnets.
 
  • #8
Well turn it up to 11 then!

BoB
 

1. What is nuclear fusion and why is it important?

Nuclear fusion is a process in which two or more atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy. This is the same process that powers the sun and other stars. It is important because it has the potential to provide a nearly limitless source of clean energy, as well as being a key area of research in understanding the fundamental workings of the universe.

2. What is the MIT Tokamak Reactor and how does it work?

The MIT Tokamak Reactor is a type of experimental fusion reactor, also known as a tokamak, located at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It works by using strong magnetic fields to confine and heat plasma, a hot and electrically charged gas, to the extreme temperatures needed for nuclear fusion to occur.

3. What was the new record set by the MIT Tokamak Reactor?

In October 2019, the MIT Tokamak Reactor achieved a new record for plasma pressure, which is a key measure of the performance of a fusion reactor. The reactor reached a plasma pressure of 2.05 atmospheres, which is the highest value achieved in a fusion device of its size.

4. How does this new record contribute to the development of fusion energy?

The new record set by the MIT Tokamak Reactor is an important step towards achieving sustained and controlled nuclear fusion reactions, which is necessary for the development of fusion energy. It demonstrates the potential of the tokamak design and provides valuable data for future research and development efforts.

5. What are the challenges in achieving nuclear fusion and what is being done to overcome them?

One of the main challenges in achieving nuclear fusion is creating and maintaining the extreme conditions needed for the fusion reaction to occur. This requires high temperatures and pressures, as well as precise control of the plasma. Scientists and engineers are continuously working to improve and optimize fusion reactor designs, as well as developing new technologies and materials to withstand the intense conditions of fusion reactions.

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