How is plasma heated and contained in a fusion reactor?

Magnetic fields are ideal for confining a plasma because the electrical charges on the separated ions and electrons mean that they follow the magnetic field lines. The aim is to prevent the particles from coming into contact with the reactor walls as this will dissipate their heat and slow them down.

How does a plasma fusion reactor work?

The energy-producing mechanism in a fusion reactor is the joining together of two light atomic nuclei. When two nuclei fuse, a small amount of mass is converted into a large amount of energy. Mass can be converted to energy also by nuclear fission, the splitting of a heavy nucleus.

How does plasma transfer heat?

Small particles can become emitters of electrons at high temperatures, but for small particles at lower temperatures in a thermal (weakly ionized) plasma, their charge results from the attachment of electrons or ions to them. The particles are therefore charged, and consequently their behavior changes.

How is plasma heated?

Till ignition the plasma has to be externally heated. When an electric current is passed through the electrical conductive plasma, it generates heat in the plasma through its resistance like a cooker hotplate. As this resistance decreases with increasing temperature, this method is only suitable for initial heating.

How does plasma form at the core of a star?

These are actually balls of plasma (very hot gas) consisting of hydrogen and helium. Stars are formed by the gravitational collapse of large clouds of cold gas. When the gas is compressed, it heats up and transforms into plasma. The temperature of the star’s core depends on the mass of the star.

What material can contain plasma?

Tungsten is considered as the most promising material for plasma-facing components (PFCs) in the magnetic confinement fusion devices, due to its high melting temperature, high thermal conductivity, low swelling, low tritium retention, and low sputtering yield.

How magnetic fields contain plasma?

By setting up magnetic field lines toroidally around the interior of the tokamak , the ions and electrons in the plasma are forced to travel tightly around these field lines, preventing them from escaping the vessel. Extra fields help shape the plasma and hold it stable within the tokamak interior.