Liquid Sandwich Vacuum Vessel for Magnetic Fusion

A "liquid sandwich" vacuum vessel for magnetic confinement fusion of plasma includes two rigid structural "bread" members that form a double-walled vessel and a non-structural "cheese" material disposed between the walls. The inner member is semi-conductive and encloses a volume of fusing plasma, while the outer member may contact a neutron shield (e.g. a molten salt blanket) and is corrosion-resistant. The non-structural material is solid at room temperature, but is molten during fusion, and is preferably lead. The structural members may be steel or silicon carbide, or similar structural material. During a disruption of fusion, excess electrical energy that escapes from the plasma into the vessel will primarily shear the liquid material rather than the structural members, allowing the "bread" to be thin.

Departments: Plasma Science and Fusion Center, Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering
Technology Areas: Energy & Distribution: Electrochemical Devices, Nuclear & Fusion

  • liquid sandwich vacuum vessel for magnetic fusion
    United States of America | Published application

License this technology

Interested in this technology? Connect with our experienced licensing team to initiate the process.

Sign up for technology updates

Sign up now to receive the latest updates on cutting-edge technologies and innovations.