Course Description
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of fusion energy, plasma physics, and the technologies involved. The course compares the underlying nuclear physics concepts of fusion and fission reactors, atomic structure using the Bohr model, electron shells, and the processes of ionization and plasma generation. The properties of plasma and electromagnetic principles are then used to motivate plasma confinement concepts. The confinement approaches of magnetic confinement and inertial confinement fusion will be introduced. The second part of the course covers the critical technology for fusion energy, including vacuum and cryogenic systems, superconducting magnets, heating methods, tritium breeding and fuel cycle.
Spring 2025
Instructors
Meeting Patterns
Classes Start:
January 6, 2025
Classes End:
April 22, 2025
Location:
00214 Cox Hall
Class Days:
M W
Class Start Time:
1:30pm
Class End Time:
2:45pm
Class Type:
Lecture
Credits:
3.00
Restrictions:
P: MA 242 and PY 208
