Environment & Energy
In reply to the discussion: New magnetic fusion technology could be ready in 5 years [View all]PamW
(1,825 posts)I don't believe this hype that you are going to get a small fusion reactor that could be put in a truck.
The leading fusion reaction under consideration is D-T fusion:
1D2 + 1T3 --> 2He4 (3.5 MeV) + 0n1(14.1 MeV)
which is the D-T fusion reaction yielding 17.6 MeV total; but I've indicated
which product particle receives how much of the released energy.
The bulk of the energy goes into the neutron; 14.1 MeV. The problem is that the 14.1 MeV neutron is neutral, and therefore is NOT confined by any electric nor magnetic fields. This high energy neutron has a mean free path in most materials that is a good fraction of a meter. That means that in order to trap this neutron which is the only way to get its energy; you will need a "blanket" that will be several meters thick. That is the only way to trap the neutron.
Even if you are contemplating using only the 3.5 MeV alpha (2He4) for your energy; you will still have to SHIELD against those 14.1 MeV. You aren't going to have a truck rolling down the highway spewing 14.1 MeV neutrons.
PamW