Magneto-Inertial Fusion and Powerful Plasma Installations (A Review)

Abstract

A review of theoretical and experimental studies in the field of compression and heating of a plasma target in an external magnetic field, which has recently been called magneto-inertial fusion (MIF), has been carried out. MIF is a concept of magnetically driven inertial fusion that involves the magnetization of fuel, laser pre-heating, and magnetic implosion to create fusion conditions. An analysis of the current state of work on the implosion of magnetized targets and the effect of an external magnetic field on the main plasma parameters and system characteristics is presented. Questions regarding the numerical simulation of experiments on the magnetic-inertial confinement of plasma are touched upon. Particular attention is paid to two promising areas of MIF—with plasma jets and with a laser driver (laser beams).

Mathematical Modeling of Structure and Dynamics of Concentrated Tornado-like Vortices: A Review

“…These processes facilitate the development of corner flow, the presence of which promotes the generation of vertical vorticity by tilting horizontal vorticity near the ground (i.e., through the in-andup mechanism). Plasma vortexes are the subject of a separate study and require special consideration [142][143][144][145].…”

Theoretical Study of the D-T Fuel Burning Rate in Z-Pinch Facilities with Magneto-Inertial Confinement

“…As is known, this process is currently of high significance for humanity due to its potential to become a clean, safe, and abundant energy source in the near future [2]. At present, a sufficient number of fusion devices and projects with different fusion reactor concepts [3] exist, especially large tokamaks such as the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) [4] and the Joint European Torus (JET) [5], using strong and powerful magnetic fields to confine hot plasma at temperatures exceeding 150 million • C. Although significant progress has been made in fusion research and various fusion devices and installations are utilized nowadays, it is still unknown and uncertain when fusion reactors will finally become commercially viable. According to ITER estimations, the main D-T fusion experiments are planned for 2035, with final completion expected around 2040 [6].…”

“…The leading types of plasma confinement methods used in fusion research are magnetic confinement (JET, ITER) [7], inertial confinement (National Ignition Facility, Omega Laser Facility, Laser Mégajoule) [8], and magneto-inertial confinement (Z Facility, Tri Alpha Energy, Helion Energy, General Fusion) [3,9]. The particle density required for controlled nuclear fusion reaches 10 20 m −3 in magnetic confinement fusion devices and 10 31 m −3 in inertial confinement fusion devices.…”

“…Both of these values can be achieved at temperatures of about 10 keV. Regarding the last concept, magneto-inertial confinement, as a new approach to energy production [3], combines the general principles of both magnetic and inertial fusion. One of the great examples is MagLIF (Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion) experiments conducted in the Z machine at Sandia National Laboratories [10][11][12].…”

Starting Modes of Bi-Directional Plasma Thruster Utilizing Krypton

“…This means that the spacecraft can be moved between orbital positions more quickly, consuming less power and propellant for a given maneuver in space compared to a conventional unidirectional PS. One of the most promising technologies for thrusters that are capable of generating propulsion in multiple directions is electrodeless plasma thrusters [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20]. Electrodeless plasma thrusters are based on sources that typically consist of a gas discharge chamber, a magnetic system, and an antenna with a high-frequency (HF), radiofrequency (RF), or microwave (mw) power supply.…”