Fusion chain reactions –I

McNally, J. Rand

doi:10.1088/0029-5515/11/2/013

Cited by 49 publications

(84 citation statements)

References 1 publication

(1 reference statement)

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“…In this respect our theoretical frameworks can be effectively validated and couplings to continuum can be confirmed. Such global studies at low energies, interpreted into the appropriate theoretical models can provide the basis of applications to fundamental problems of astrophysics, material science and other societal applications [22][23][24][25].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Global descriptions and decay rates for continuum excitation of weakly bound nuclei

et al. 2021

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In this work we will present an overview of our global studies on continuum excitations induced by protons, for the weakly bound nuclei 6 Li, 7 Li and 9 Be, presenting strong clustering modes. Measurements are made in inverse kinematics and extensive simulations have been developed, to corroborate the analysis and interpretation of the results. The focus of the measurements is on the breakup reaction, but simultaneously this research is complemented by the study of all involved reaction channels, including elastic scattering. In this respect our theoretical interpretation in a Continuum Discretized Coupled Channel approach can be fully validated. Between our sound conclusions we can underline the following: the non reciprocity between the strengths of the breakup probability and the coupling to continuum; the experimental validation of a continuum discretization for three body Continuum Discretized Coupled Channel theories; and last but not least the unique possibility for deducing continuum decay rates of borromean nuclei in proton induced studies, by considering the kinematics of the target recoil. Other specific conclusions for each system will be discussed.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Global descriptions and decay rates for continuum excitation of weakly bound nuclei

et al. 2021

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“…In a catalytic cycle, large nuclei are used as inputs to fusion reactions, but are later regenerated by subsequent reactions to eliminate them as inputs to the fuel cycle. Such catalytic cycles play an important role in stellar fusion and some have been proposed for terrestrial fusion [37]. It is important to note that using a catalyst with A < 5 does not help us accomplish our goal due to the discussions of options 1A and 2A.…”

Section: Maximizing Specific Energymentioning

confidence: 99%

Maximizing specific energy by breeding deuterium

Ball

2019

Nucl. Fusion

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Specific energy (i.e. energy per unit mass) is one of the most fundamental and consequential properties of a fuel source. In this work, a systematic study of measured fusion cross-sections is performed to determine which reactions are potentially feasible and identify the fuel cycle that maximizes specific energy. This reveals that, by using normal hydrogen to breed deuterium via neutron capture, the conventional catalyzed D-D fusion fuel cycle can attain a specific energy greater than anything else. Simply surrounding a catalyzed D-D reactor with water enables deuterium fuel, the dominant stockpile of energy on Earth, to produce as much as 65% more energy. Lastly, the impact on space propulsion is considered, revealing that an effective exhaust velocity exceeding that of deuterium-helium-3 is theoretically possible.This reaction has a cross-section of ∼ 0.3 barns for thermal neutrons [24]. Though the cross-section may seem small compared to D-T fusion, this reaction is actually

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“…Therefore we have undertaken a broad experimental program with the involvement of these nuclei on breakup and other reaction channels induced by protons, and their interpretation at appropriate theoretical frameworks, in respect with couplings to continuum. Such studies at low energies are also useful for providing in the community and the new generations to come experimental fundamental data and associated theoretical descriptions, for different applications from astrophysics and material science to societal applications on health, energy, and climate [9][10][11][12]. Global experimental studies, interpreted into appropriate theoretical models can provide the basis for such applications.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Further on, this will give more support to our three-body structure model for 9 Be, used previously for radiative capture studies [6], relevant to rprocess abundance predictions. In neutron-rich environments, instead of the standard triple-α formation of 12 C, the radiative capture reaction α(α, γ ) 9 Be followed by 9 Be(α, n) 12 C may dominate, depending on the astrophysical conditions [8]. The relevance of this process has been linked to the nucleosynthesis by rapid neutron capture (or the r process) in type-II supernovae [8,48,49].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Global study of Be9 + p at 2.72A MeV

et al. 2020

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Background: In our recent experiment, 9 Be +p at 5.67A MeV, the breakup decay rates to the three configurations, α + α + n, 8 Be * +n and 5 He + 4 He of 9 Be, were observed and quantified in the proton recoil spectra, in a full kinematics approach. Unfolding step by step the accessibility to the above configurations, it will require similar experiments at lower or/and higher energies. It will also require the interpretation of the data in a theoretical framework. Three-body models for the structure of 9 Be have been developed and applied to reactions with heavy targets. Further research on lighter targets is required for the best establishment of the model. Such models are relevant for the calculation of the corresponding radiative capture reaction rate, α(α, γ ) 9 Be followed by 9 Be(α, n) 12 C. The last is essential for the r-process abundance predictions. Purpose: Investigate the breakup decay rate of 9 Be +p at 2.72A MeV, where the direct configuration α + α + n is mainly accessible. Compare and interpret data at this low energy and at the higher energy of 5.67A MeV into a four-body continuum discretized coupled-channel formalism. Point out and discuss couplings to continuum. Methods: Our experimental method includes an exclusive breakup measurement in a full kinematic approach of 9 Be incident on a proton target at 24.5 MeV (2.72A MeV). Complementary the elastic scattering is measured and other reaction channels are evaluated from previous measurements under the same experimental conditions. The interpretation of present data at 2.72A MeV and previous data at 5.67A MeV, are considered in a four-body continuum discretized coupled channel (CDCC) approach, using the transformed harmonic oscillator method for the three-body projectile. Results: An elastic scattering angular distribution at 2.72A MeV is measured, which compares very well with CDCC calculations, indicating a strong coupling to continuum. At the same energy, the breakup and total reaction cross sections are measured as σ break = 2.5 ± 1m ba n dσ tot = 510 ± L90 mb, in good agreement with the calculated values of 3.7 and 433 mb, respectively. Further on, into the same theoretical framework, the elastic scattering and breakup cross section data at 5.67A MeV are found in very good agreement with the CDCC calculations. Conclusions: It was confirmed in a global experimental framework that four-body CDCC calculations can describe very well the data even at low energies. Coupling to continuum is very strong despite the small measured breakup cross section. Moreover, the present results support further our three-body model for the structure of 9 Be, validating relevant radiative reaction rates obtained previously.

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Fusion chain reactions –I

Cited by 49 publications

References 1 publication

Global descriptions and decay rates for continuum excitation of weakly bound nuclei

Global descriptions and decay rates for continuum excitation of weakly bound nuclei

Maximizing specific energy by breeding deuterium

Global study of Be9 + p at 2.72A MeV

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