Back to the Future: The Historical, Scientific, Naval, and Environmental Case for Fission Fusion

Abstract

It is proposed that a return to fission fusion, and especially the development of the thorium cycle could be a means to revitalize magnetic fusion research. This work analyzes recent history, attempts to find the reason magnetic fusion research is in the shape it is in, and argues that an embrace of the hybrid could improve its prospects. Then it analyzes recent Tokamak results, concluding that a research Tokamak reactor, which could generate significant amounts of nuclear fuel could be built now. Finally it discusses both whether the Navy could be involved, and the environmental issues.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 02, 1998
Accession Number
ADA347302

Entities

People

  • Wallace M. Manheimer

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Electrons
  • Fissile Materials
  • Fission
  • Fossil Fuels
  • Governments
  • Greenhouse Gases
  • Materials
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Navy
  • Nuclear Fuels
  • Nuclear Materials
  • Nuclear Power Plants
  • Nuclear Reactions
  • Nuclear Reactors
  • Temperature Gradients
  • Two Dimensional
  • United States

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Educational Psychology
  • Plasma Physics / Magnetohydrodynamics
  • Systems Analysis and Design