What is the Ideal Plasma Pressure for Successful Fusion?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the ideal plasma pressure for achieving successful nuclear fusion, specifically focusing on parameters such as ion density, temperature, and confinement time. Participants explore the relationship between these factors and their implications for fusion processes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the importance of ion density in fusion discussions, questioning why it is not expressed in pascals.
  • Another participant states that density and temperature can determine pressure, suggesting a specific pressure value of 200 kPa as an example.
  • A follow-up question seeks clarification on the minimum pressure and temperature required for deuterium-tritium (DT) fusion, referencing a record of 2 atm without clear context on deviations.
  • One participant asserts that there is no strict minimum pressure for fusion but suggests that it should be in the range of 90 kPa, as mentioned in relation to ITER, while also indicating that temperatures need to reach around 100 million K.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of minimum pressure for fusion, with some suggesting a range while others argue that it is not strictly defined. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact parameters for successful fusion.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about pressure and temperature relationships, as well as the lack of clarity on the implications of the mentioned record pressure values.

korneld
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I am trying to wrap my head around the concepts in fusion. They talk about ion density, but I don't ever see that expressed in pascals, for instance. Why is that? I understand that confinment time is also important for successful fusion and that they go hand in hand, but I'm not concerned about that right now.
 
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Density and temperature fix the pressure, no need to use all three parameters, but you can find pressure values. 200 kPa here, for example.
 
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mfb said:
Density and temperature fix the pressure, no need to use all three parameters, but you can find pressure values. 200 kPa here, for example.

OK, cool. Thanks. With this in mind, what is the minimum pressure and temp at which DT fusion occurs? They talk about the record of 2 atm, but they don't say how far off they were.
 
There is no minimum pressure but it should be roughly in that range. ITER aims at 90 kPa as far as I know.
Temperatures need to be around 100 million K.
 

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