Three Simple Concepts to Understand Fusion

Nuclear fusion is all over the news these days, with the announcement of the Lawrence Livermore breakthrough using the laser ignition method. Fusing two nuclei to produce net energy is the way stars operate, and the desire to duplicate this on earth has fascinated scientists since the dawn of the nuclear age 80 years ago. Stars, however, use enormous gravitational forces to create the conditions of temperature and pressure necessary to fuse atomic nuclei. Humans must use other techniques, and there are several under development, from laser ignition to magnetic confinement and even a mechanical technique using shockwaves generated by hydraulic rams. No one knows which will allow the creation of a usable power reactor, but regardless of the technology, three basic concepts define whether any technology will become a practical source of power.

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ABOUT END OF THE LINE:

Manufacturing veteran James Anderton expresses his compelling and unique opinions about the state of the manufacturing sector. He shares his thoughts and insights to help engineering and manufacturing professionals navigate through the challenges of world events, the blending old with new technologies, evolving processes, gaps in skilled labour, in an effort to help maximize productivity of their daily operations.

James is a former editor of trade publications in the automotive, metalworking and plastics industries with contributions to a wide range of print and on-line publications. He also brings prior industry experience in quality and manufacturing for a Tier One automotive supplier.