Nuclear fusion has been a theoretical concept until now, although sustained energy release was obtained in the huge 1952 Ivy Mike thermonuclear bomb test. However, its size made it unsuitable as a nuclear weapon and the program was discontinued. Much research into peaceful use went on until European scientists announced a major breakthrough in nuclear fusion on February 9, 2022.
Nuclear Fusion Distilled in a Few Sentences
At least in theory we should be able to combine two or more atomic nuclei to form one. A difference in mass between them would then either release, or absorb energy. This is not the same as a nuclear reaction in which two nuclei collide. And then produce one or more nuclides triggering a nuclear reaction.
A major breakthrough in nuclear fusion could lead to energy generation using novel technology. Current theories suggest these three possibilities:
1… Transfer the heat to a fluid, that becomes steam driving electricity generators.
2… Absorb the energy into a breeder blanket to produce tritium for atomic batteries.
3… Convert the energy directly into voltage for collection at electrical terminals.
These options would produce green energy in the sense they do not add large amounts of carbon to the atmosphere. Moreover, the process should be safer than nuclear power.
Scientists Achieve a Major Breakthrough in Nuclear Fusion
Scientists generate record-breaking amounts of energy from nuclear fusion
Scientists at UK-based European JET Laboratory used the world’s largest tokamak processor to squeeze two forms of hydrogen together. This device absorbs energy from the fusion of atoms as heat. The experiment produced 11 megawatts of power for over 5 seconds, or 59 mega joules of energy.
That would have been sufficient to boil about 60 kettles’ worth of water, were it not inside the tokamak containment. This was double what they achieved before, and validated the design for a larger device under construction in France.
‘The JET experiments put us a step closer to fusion power,’ says head of operations Joe Milnes. ‘We’ve demonstrated we can create a mini star inside of our machine, and hold it there for five seconds. This really takes us into a new realm.’
Related Posts
Dream of Seeing Fusion in Our Lifetime
Role Plasma Plays in Nuclear Fusion
Preview Image: Internal view of the JET Tokamak
Video Share Link: https://youtu.be/XqcAQxr6Ig4
