Publication

The Challenge for Adiabatically Heated FRC Based D-$^3$He Fusion

2026

Abstract

The performance requirements of fusion reactors based on FRC adiabatic compression with a D- $^3\!$ He fuel are discussed. Assuming thermonuclear reaction rates, confinement times exceeding 10 ms are required for peak magnetic fields below 25 T. The typical thermodynamic cycle of such reactors in current/flux variables is computed. The fact that most magnetic energy is channeled to vacuum magnetic energy, instead of heating the plasma, translates into a very elongated thermodynamical cycle. The consequences for the viability of this type of reactors are discussed.

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2026

Abstract

Official source

Related concepts (32)

Magnetic confinement fusion

Magnetic confinement fusion is an approach to generate thermonuclear fusion power that uses magnetic fields to confine fusion fuel in the form of a plasma. Magnetic confinement is one of two major branches of fusion energy research, along with inertial confinement fusion. The magnetic approach began in the 1940s and absorbed the majority of subsequent development. Fusion reactions combine light atomic nuclei such as hydrogen to form heavier ones such as helium, producing energy.

Nuclear fusion

Nuclear fusion is a reaction in which two or more atomic nuclei, usually deuterium and tritium (hydrogen variants), are combined to form one atomic nuclei and subatomic particles (neutrons or protons). The difference in mass between the reactants and products is manifested as either the release or absorption of energy. This difference in mass arises due to the difference in nuclear binding energy between the atomic nuclei before and after the reaction.

Fusion power

Fusion power is a proposed form of power generation that would generate electricity by using heat from nuclear fusion reactions. In a fusion process, two lighter atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, while releasing energy. Devices designed to harness this energy are known as fusion reactors. Research into fusion reactors began in the 1940s, but as of 2023, no device has reached net power. Fusion processes require fuel and a confined environment with sufficient temperature, pressure, and confinement time to create a plasma in which fusion can occur.

Related publications (32)

The Challenge for Adiabatically Heated FRC Based D-$^3$He Fusion

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