TransWikia.com

Fusion Chain Reaction

Physics Asked on October 4, 2021

Why we can’t make chain reaction in fusion or we can’t use fusion products .

Deuterium $-$ Helium$-3 $ fusion :
$$2D + 3He → 4He + 1p + 18.3 text {MeV}$$ (I found in Wikipedia)

If we can do the above reaction can we use this proton energy to make another reaction ?

One Answer

The usable energy of fusion is in the form of the kinetic energy of the charged products of the reaction, primarily. The chain reaction can occur, and this is the goal (in all systems, it is a goal of each target or pulse; in some systems, it is a goal for the overall operation as well - the sun is an example of the latter), but only if we can contain the products for

  1. enough time
  2. at high enough density, and
  3. high enough temperature

to overcome the barriers (Coulomb) of subsequent reactions. This is very difficult since, when we add so much thermal energy to the components of the reaction, they all very quickly are driven away from one another.

This

  1. decreases the time of interaction,
  2. decreases the density, and
  3. decreases the temperature,

all contrary to the goals stated above. This fact motivates all fusion research.

Correct answer by jpf on October 4, 2021

Add your own answers!

Ask a Question

Get help from others!

© 2024 TransWikia.com. All rights reserved. Sites we Love: PCI Database, UKBizDB, Menu Kuliner, Sharing RPP