Energy gain of ignitable targets in inertial confinement fusion (ICF)

Abstract

In order to determine the fusion energy gain in a target due to inertial confinement fusion, it is necessary to solve hydrodynamic equations governed on plasma behavior during confinement time. To compress spherical multilayer targets having fuel in the central part, they are irradiated by laser or heavy ion beams. A suitable mass ratio of a pusher is used to ignite the central part of the target. When compression is maximum, fuel density exceeds from 500 to 1000 times of the cold density. Temperature in the cold fuel region rises rapidly and cause the plasma and fusion reaction to take place. Calculations of density, temperature and pressure profiles in the plasma are necessary to obtain the energy flux of neurons, electrons and radiations coming out from the target. Using numerical solutions for continuity, the momentum and energy equations based on a defined continuity equation we prepared a computer program to calculate density, temperature and pressure profiles. The gain of the target as output to input energy is determined. Using this procedure to a designed target with deuterium-tritium (DT) fuel derived by heavy ion beams gives an energy gain over 400.

Keywords

• fusion
• pellet
• heavy ion
• energy gain
• ICF
• D-T