Fusion Science

the science behind fusion energy

The Prometheus Magneto-Inertial Fusion Research Facility

LA-UR-13-20790 G. A. Wurden, W. A. Reass , P. Turchi (LANL); J. H. Degnan, C. Grabowski (AFRL), B. Bauer (UNR) Summary: A next generation pulsed power magnetized high energy density laboratory plasma (MHEDLP) research facility, named Prometheus, which will enable demonstration of Q=1 (DT equivalent) low-convergence ratio plasma-power magneto-inertial fusion (MIF) plasmas. The USA presently … Read moreThe Prometheus Magneto-Inertial Fusion Research Facility

Lockheed Martin claims to be “restarting the atomic age” with a compact fusion reactor

AIP Scitation Steven T. Corneliussen, October 2014 “The old promise of atoms for peace was a noble one, but ultimately flawed because the technology wasn’t right for it,” declares Thomas McGuire in a 4-minute public relations video. He leads a fusion energy project at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works, famous for originating, among other things, the … Read moreLockheed Martin claims to be “restarting the atomic age” with a compact fusion reactor

Lockheed Martin’s 100 MW Compact Fusion Nuclear Reactor

IHS Global Spec Roger Pink, Ph.D., 16 December 2014 A Lockheed Martin Skunk Works team is working on a compact fusion reactor (CFR) that could be developed and deployed in as little as 10 years. The lead scientist on the project, Thomas McGuire, said in an October 15 press release that the company’s compact fusion … Read moreLockheed Martin’s 100 MW Compact Fusion Nuclear Reactor

Are mini fusion power plants possible?

Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics October 23, 2014 Lockheed Martin’s compact reactor concept / fusion drives for aircraft and trucks? The magnetic coils inside of the compact fusion experiment are critical to plasma containment. Photo: Lockheed Martin Building a small, transportable fusion power plant has long been a dream of fusion researchers. In the … Read moreAre mini fusion power plants possible?

The Bridge to Fusion: 4 Advanced Nuclear Fission Technologies

Popular Mechanics Thorium This radioactive metal is three to four times more common than uranium, and, unlike uranium, it doesn’t generate weapons-grade nuclear material after it’s burned in a reactor. (The United Stated experimented with thorium reactors as early as the 1950s, before the element lost out to uranium.) Virginia-based Lightbridge aims to capitalize on … Read moreThe Bridge to Fusion: 4 Advanced Nuclear Fission Technologies

Nuclear Fusion Power

World Nuclear Association (Updated October 2014) Fusion power offers the prospect of an almost inexhaustible source of energy for future generations, but it also presents so far insurmountable scientific and engineering challenges. The main hope is centred on tokamak reactors which confine a deuterium-tritium plasma magnetically. Today, many countries take part in fusion research to … Read moreNuclear Fusion Power

Michel Laberge: How synchronized hammer strikes could generate nuclear fusion

Our energy future depends on nuclear fusion, says Michel Laberge. The plasma physicist runs a small company with a big idea for a new type of nuclear reactor that could produce clean, cheap energy. His secret recipe? High speeds, scorching temperatures and crushing pressure. In this hopeful talk, he explains how nuclear fusion might be … Read moreMichel Laberge: How synchronized hammer strikes could generate nuclear fusion

Jaeyoung Park Explains EMC2 Progress On Bussard Fusion

newenergyandfuel.com January 27, 2015 Jaeyoung Park, Chief Scientist at EMC2 presented the team’s work to date and explored the level of what’s needed to continue research to a net power electrostatic nuclear fusion reactor. EMC2 WB-8 Lab in San Diego. Image Credit Jseyoung Park, University of Wisconsin. The presentation was given at the 16th U.S. … Read moreJaeyoung Park Explains EMC2 Progress On Bussard Fusion

China is going to mine the Moon for helium-3 fusion fuel

extremetech.com By John Hewitt on January 26, 2015 China’s Chang’e lunar probe dynasty is already having a great year. The Chang’e 3 lunar lander surpassed all expectations last week to emerge from its 14th hibernation while the Chang’e 5-T1 just completed its transfer from the Earth-Moon Lagrange Point 2 into a stable orbit around the … Read moreChina is going to mine the Moon for helium-3 fusion fuel