Fusion reactor: Difference between revisions
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A deuterium fusion core is a species of nuclear fusion reactor used as a power source on [[UNSC Frigate|UNSC frigates]]. Though not explicitly stated, it may also be used to power other kinds of spacecraft, and may be related to the oft-seen [[fusion core]]. | A deuterium fusion core is a species of nuclear fusion reactor used as a power source on [[UNSC Frigate|UNSC frigates]]. Though not explicitly stated, it may also be used to power other kinds of spacecraft, and may be related to the oft-seen [[fusion core]]. | ||
Based on the name, a deuterium fusion core probably combines [[deuterium]] nuclei (a light hydrogen isotope) into heavier elements, accompanied by a net gain of energy. Deuterium may be fused with itself, or with tritium, another hydrogen isotope. | Based on the name, a deuterium fusion core probably combines [[deuterium]] nuclei (a light hydrogen isotope) into heavier elements, accompanied by a net gain of energy. Deuterium may be fused with itself, or with tritium, another hydrogen isotope. This latter reaction is the easiest to initiate. | ||
Since they have not been seen on screen, it is not possible to meaningfully speculate on the technique a deuterium core uses to induce fusion. However, a UNSC frigate | Since they have not been seen on screen, it is not possible to meaningfully speculate on the technique a deuterium core uses to induce fusion. However, a UNSC frigate is powered by just two of these devices, so it could be deduced that they are not easily portable. | ||
Real-world fusion reactors currently require more power than they release, so are not yet an economical means of electricity generation. Promising approaches include donut-shaped [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokamak tokamaks], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polywell Polywells] and laser-driven [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inertial_confinement_fusion inertial confinement fusion] (ICF). | Real-world fusion reactors currently require more power than they release, so are not yet an economical means of electricity generation. Promising approaches include donut-shaped [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokamak tokamaks], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polywell Polywells] and laser-driven [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inertial_confinement_fusion inertial confinement fusion] (ICF). | ||
[[Category:Technology]] | [[Category:Technology]] | ||
[[Category:UNSC]] | [[Category:UNSC]] |