IS NUCLEAR FUSION THE FUTURE OF ENERGY

PRODUCTION ?

BY:

- DEBRY ROMAIN

- DONEUX MATHYS

- DURIEUX THOMAS
 WHAT IS NUCLEAR FUSION ?

- Way of energy production

- Fusion of nuclei (core)
- Alternative to nuclear fission
- Process by which two light atomic nuclei
combine to form a single heavier one while
releasing massive amounts of energy

Nucleus (pl. = nuclei) = Core of the atom, contains the

nucleons
Nucleon (pl.positively
- Protons: = nucleons) = Neutrons
charged / Protons
particles
- Neutrons: electrically neutral particles
- Electrons: negatively charged particles
(not a nucleon => not in the nucleus)
Conditions : Split
- 100 000 000 °C
- 250 milliard atm
=> high density

Fusion
Nuclear fusion
Collision => Fusion WORKING
Unstable => Split
Forming of new nucleus and release of energy and
neutron

Nuclear fission
Collision => Split
Releases energy and neutrons, who
will continue colliding with other
Uranium (U235) nuclei
e

E = ∆m × c²
Deuterium (2H) / tritium (3H)
Extreme heat + extreme pression (Tokamak)
Plasma state (electrons stripped from nuclei)
Plasma heated further using magnetic fields/ laser beams
+
Overcome electrostatic repulsion => Collides
Deuterium + tritium => Helium + high-energy neutron
Released energy can be converted into electricity

Careful : ignition (Chain reaction => Uncontrollable) WORKING

(energy released by fusion is sufficient to maintain
the high temperatures and pressures needed for further
fusion to occur without the need for
external heating.)

=
 ADVANTAGES

- Main ingredient : Hydrogen (Very abundant fuel)

- Clean energy : no emissions

- No long-lived radioactive nuclear waste (in contrast to fission)

- Extreme conditions assure security in case of fails

- Huge energy density

 DISADVANTAGES

- Difficulties to fulfil the extreme conditions

- Deal with radiation

- Expensive