Ground-State Energy Shifts of H-Like Ti Under Dense and Hot Plasma Conditions

In this study, by adopting the ion sphere model, the self-consistent field method is used with the Poisson-Boltzmann equation and the Dirac equation to calculate the ground-state energies of H-like Ti at a plasma electron density from 10^22 cm^-3 to 10^24 cm^-3 and the electron temperature from 100 eV to 3600 eV. The ground-state energy shifts of H-like Ti show different trends with the electron density and the electron temperature. It is shown that the energy shifts increase with the increase in the electron density and decrease with the increase in the electron temperature. The energy shifts are sensitive to the electron density, but only sensitive to the low electron temperature. In addition, an accurately fitting formula is obtained to fast estimate the ground-state energies of H-like Ti. Such fitted formula can also be used to estimate the critical electron density of pressure ionization for the ground state of H-like Ti.     

Near Term Applications of Plasma Science and Fusion Research: National Laboratory Perspectives

This paper describes some of the near-term practical applications of plasma science from the perspective of National Laboratories involved with fusion research for many years. The first half of the paper presents suggestions for maintaining a healthy national program in this area. The second part of the paper gives specific examples of near-term plasma applications research at our laboratories.     

A Physics Exploratory Experiment on Plasma Liner Formation

Momentum flux for imploding a target plasma in magnetized target fusion (MTF) may be delivered by an array of plasma guns launching plasma jets that would merge to form an imploding plasma shell (liner). In this paper, we examine what would be a worthwhile experiment to explore the dynamics of merging plasma jets to form a plasma liner as a first step in establishing an experimental database for plasma-jets-driven magnetized target fusion (PJETS-MTF). Using past experience in fusion energy research as a model, we envisage a four-phase program to advance the art of PJETS-MTF to fusion breakeven (Q 1). The experiment (PLX) described in this paper serves as Phase 1 of this four-phase program. The logic underlying the selection of the experimental parameters is presented. The experiment consists of using 12 plasma guns arranged in a circle, launching plasma jets toward the center of a vacuum chamber. The velocity of the plasma jets chosen is 200 km/s, and each jet is to carry a mass of 0.2 mg to 0.4 mg. A candidate plasma accelerator for launching these jets consists of a coaxial plasma gun of the Marshall type.     

Fusion Specific Features in ITER Accident Analysis

Fusion specific features like inherent plasma shutdown, low decay heat densities, cryogenic temperatures, and limited source terms were considered during the safety design process of ITER. Uncertainties in plasma disruptions motivates a robust design to cope with multiple failures of in-vessel cooling piping. A vacuum vessel pressure suppression system mitigates pressure transients and effectively captures mobilized radioactivity. In case of pump trips or ex-vessel coolant losses in the divertor the plasma needs to be actively terminated in a few seconds. Failure to do so might damage the divertor but radiological consequences will be minor due to the intact first confinement barrier. Tritium plant inventories are protected by several layers of confinement. Uncontrolled release of magnet energy will be prevented by design. Postulated damage from magnets to confinement barriers causes fluid ingress (air, water, helium) into the cryostat. The cold environment limits pressurization. Most tritium and dust is captured by condensation.     

Solving the Stand-off Problem for Magnetized Target Fusion: Plasma Streams as Disposable Electrodes, Together with a Local Spherical Blanket

In a fusion reactor based on the magnetized target fusion approach, the permanent power supply has to deliver currents up to a few mega-amperes to the target dropped into the reaction chamber. All the structures situated around the target will be destroyed after every pulse and have to be replaced at a frequency of 1–10 Hz. In this paper, an approach based on the use of spherical blanket surrounding the target, and pulsed plasma electrodes connecting the target to the power supply, is discussed. A brief analysis of the processes associated with creation of plasma electrodes is presented.     

Dense positrons and γ-rays generation by lasers interacting with convex target

We use quantum electrodynamics particle-in-cell simulation to study the generation of dense electron–positron plasma and strong γ-ray bursts in counter-propagating laser beam interactions with two different solid targets, i.e. planar(type I) and convex(type II). We find that type II limits fast electron flow most effectively. while the photon density is increased by about an order of magnitude and energy by approx. 10%–20% compared with those in type I target. γ-photon source with an ultrahigh peak brilliance of 2?×?1025 photons/s/mm2/mrad2/0.1% BW is generated by nonlinear Compton scattering process. Furthermore, use of type II target increases the positron density and energy by 3 times and 32% respectively, compared with those in type I target. In addition, the conversion efficiencies of total laser energy to γ-rays and positrons of type II are improved by 13.2% and 9.86% compared with type I. Such improvements in conversion efficiency and positron density are envisaged to have practical applications in experimental field.     

聚变驱动次临界堆聚变堆芯参数设计与分析

在建立零维堆芯物理模型的基础上,计算了FDS系统三组环径比(低、标准、高)的堆芯物理参数,利用平衡程序和1.5维演化程序对标准环径比情况,进行了等离子体平衡计算和位形演化模拟,结果表明设计方案先进可行。