Plasma Science and Fusion Center IAP Series
Jeffrey Freidberg, Peter Catto, John Rice
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
This series introduces plasma physics research and areas of related interest at the Plasma Science and Fusion Center. See URL below.
Web: http://www.psfc.mit.edu/
Contact: Paul Rivenberg, NW16-284, x3-8101, rivenberg@psfc.mit.edu
Colossal Problems in the Utility Industries
Thomas Eagar
Energy transportation and utilization occurs on a very large scale. When even small problems occur, the negative consequences can be substantial. This presentation will review several notable failures, and will discuss the root causes.
Wed Jan 16, 11-12:00am, NW17-218
Sustainable Energy: Myth of Reality?
Michael Golay
Concepts of sustainability will be examined, as will be methods for satisfying future energy needs while protecting the environment. Michael Golay is a founder and stalwart participant in subject 22.811J, Sustainable Energy
Wed Jan 16, 01-02:00pm, NW17-218
Bringing Extreme Astrophysical Phenomena into the Laboratory
Bruce Remington Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
The explosion dynamics of core-collapse supernovae’ the radiation kinetics of accreting neutron stars or black holes: High-Energy-Density (HED) facilities, such as high-power lasers and magnetic pinch facilities, are making it possible to study aspects of extreme astrophysical phenomena such as these in the laboratory.
Thu Jan 17, 11am-12:00pm, NW17-218
A Hitchhiker's Guide to Fusion Basics
Catherine Fiore
A Hitchhiker's guide to Fusion Basics: Fusion is the most important energy source in the galaxy, but it is severely underutilized here on Earth. This talk will highlight the basics of magnetically confined plasmas for achieving controlled nuclear fusion, including the current state of research and the associated physics and engineering challenges.
Tue Jan 22, 10-11:00am, NW17-218
Advanced Scenario Research on C-Mod: Towards a Better Tokamak Reactor
Amanda Hubbard
The tokamak is currently the most developed of fusion devices, and is the basis for the ITER burning plasma experiments. A disadvantage for a reactor is that it is typically a pulsed device. Research on C-Mod and other tokamaks aims to explore 'advanced' regimes of operation in which current is driven externally or generated by the plasma, leading to a steady state and generally more attractive fusion reactor.
Tue Jan 22, 11am-12:00pm, NW17-218
Tour of PSFC Fusion Experiments
Tour guide to be announced
The PSFC is exploring fusion through two different devices. The Alcator C-Mod tokamak is a well tested approach that has produced decades of progress towards achieving fusion energy. The Levitated Dipole Experiment is a brand new approach, inspired by observing space plasmas around planets. Come see what makes these experiments unique.
Tue Jan 22, 01-02:00pm, NW17-218
Back to the Future: Fusion Hybrids for Sustainable Energy
Wallace Manheimer Naval Research Laboratory- retired
The idea of using fusion neutrons to breed nuclear fuel (the fusion hybrid) goes back to the dawn of the fusion program. The concept has generally been ignored, only to be 'rediscovered' every decade or two. This talk will make the case that its time is now. With a dedicated, focused fusion program, reoriented toward the hybrid, fusion can play a key role in powering the mid century world.
Wed Jan 23, 11-12:00am, NW17-218
The Thermonuclear Internal Combustion Engine
Riccardo Betti Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester
A hydrogen plasma can be compressed by a laser "piston" and ignited by a laser "spark plug" similarly to gasoline fuel in an internal combustion engine. This talk describes the inertial confinement approach to nuclear fusion energy.
Fri Jan 25, 11am-12:00pm, NW17-218
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