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Nuclear fusion: Difference between revisions
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== A Nuclear Fusion reactor == | == A Nuclear Fusion reactor == | ||
The | The fusion reaction that is easiest to obtain is the deuterium-tritium (DT) reaction. | ||
A [[:Wikipedia:Fusion power|fusion power reactor]] delivering 1GW of electric power to the network would approximately consume 200 kg of Tritium a year. The current world reserves are about 29 kg of tritium. Thus, a nuclear fusion reactor must provide its own fuel. This is achieved using so-called [[Breeding blanket|breeders]]. Tritium breeders capture the neutrons originating from nuclear fusion reactions, generating tritium that can be used as fuel for the reactor. For more information: [[TECNO_FUS]]. | A [[:Wikipedia:Fusion power|fusion power reactor]] delivering 1GW of electric power to the network would approximately consume 200 kg of Tritium a year. The current world reserves are about 29 kg of tritium. Thus, a nuclear fusion reactor must provide its own fuel. This is achieved using so-called [[Breeding blanket|breeders]]. Tritium breeders capture the neutrons originating from nuclear fusion reactions, generating tritium that can be used as fuel for the reactor. For more information: [[TECNO_FUS]]. | ||
== The need for new materials for Fusion == | == The need for new materials for Fusion == | ||
A | A fusion power reactor delivering 1GW of electric power to the network would generate 1.3 × 10<sup>21</sup> neutrons per second. This flux will make any conventional iron to become brittle in less than a year. For this reason, a program for testing materials under intense neutron fluxes has been launched. The aim of the [[IFMIF]] program is to develop a fast neutron generation facility. | ||
Also in Spain, a program for material testing has been launched recently: | Also in Spain, a program for material testing has been launched recently: | ||