Research on fuel attitude control for fast and stable fuel supply to fusion reactors

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K03512
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 14020:Nuclear fusion-related
• Research Institution: University of Hyogo
• Principal Investigator: KOGA Mayuko 兵庫県立大学, 工学研究科, 准教授 (40403969)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 核融合 / 高速点火 / インジェクション

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In an inertial confinement fusion reactor, fuel must be supplied at a high speed of over 100 m/s. Furthermore, the fuel used in the fast ignition has a complex asymmetric shape, requiring injection technology that can accurately deliver the fuel to the laser irradiation point in the correct orientation. In this study, a device was developed to inject fuel using the magnetic force of electromagnetic coils. By optimizing the timing of the current applied to the electromagnetic coils, the fuel could be efficiently accelerated. Additionally, the flight posture of the target after injection was captured with a high-speed camera, and the acceleration and deceleration methods were optimized.

Free Research Field

核融合学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究により、電磁石コイルを用いた燃料射出装置の原理実証が成された。また効率的に燃料を加速するためには電流パルスの波形と印加タイミングを制御することが必要であることが明らかとなった。これらの結果により将来の慣性核融合炉に必要な射出装置の設計指針が得られた。保護容器を用いる本方式は燃料の形状によらず射出することが可能であるため、本研究で得られた知見はその他方式の核融合装置にも貢献しうるものである。