Thermonuclear Cross Section and Reaction Rate Parameter Data Compilation.

Abstract

With the increasing need to develop new sources of energy for Air Force missions, interest in fusion energy has increased. While the earlier report from this project listed scores of possible thermonuclear reactions, this report concentrates solely on cross section data and reaction rate parameter data for the major fusion reactions under scrutiny. The meanings of terms commonly used in the field of thermonuclear fusion are discussed, along with descriptions of the mechanisms involved in determining the ignition point of plasma. In addition, polynomial-style-curve-fits have been developed for each list of data herein. The characteristics of four advanced fusion fuels: p-11B, P-6Li, d-3He, and 3He-3He, are compared to the fuel d-t. D-3He presents itself as the reaction of choice for fusion space propulsion. Other research efforts using d-3He are mentioned.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1991
Accession Number
ADA239225

Entities

People

  • Larry T. Cox Jr.

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Burning Rate
  • Chemical Reaction Properties
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Ignition
  • Nuclear Reactions
  • Polynomials
  • Space Propulsion
  • Thermonuclear Reactions

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Organic Chemistry
  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster