Evaluation of Electrostatic Confinement Fusion as an Energy Source

Presenter Information

Sheldon Harper

Department

Physics

Major

Physics

Research Advisor

Story, J. Greg

Advisor's Department

Physics

Funding Source

Department of Physics

Abstract

Fusion is highly sought after for its ability to efficiently provide abundant energy with minimal waste. There are currently multiple competing designs, the most successful of which have operated by the confinement of high energy plasma via electro-magnetic means. In this project an Inertial Electrostatic Confinement (IEC) fusion device was constructed to gauge its potential to achieve a net positive energy yield. The characteristics of the plasma were measured prior to an investigation of the fusion properties via Langmuir Probe and spectroscopic techniques. Data on neutron emissivity for several operation regimes of the IEC device were examined including; variations of the acceleration grid, reversed polarity (false anode), and resonant wave modes.

Biography

Sheldon is a junior majoring in Physics and Mechanical engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology. At 16 he enrolled in the Missouri Academy of Science, Mathematics, and Computing, earning an Associate of Science Degree and High School Diploma Simultaneously. Sheldon is highly active in the Missouri S&T Robotics design team and currently holds the position of Vice President. He intends to pursue a graduate degree in mechatronics following graduation.

Research Category

Sciences

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Document Type

Poster

Location

Upper Atrium/Hall

Presentation Date

16 Apr 2014, 9:00 am - 11:45 am

Comments

Joint project with Brock Ebert, and Jaykob Maser

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Apr 16th, 9:00 AM Apr 16th, 11:45 AM

Evaluation of Electrostatic Confinement Fusion as an Energy Source

Upper Atrium/Hall

Fusion is highly sought after for its ability to efficiently provide abundant energy with minimal waste. There are currently multiple competing designs, the most successful of which have operated by the confinement of high energy plasma via electro-magnetic means. In this project an Inertial Electrostatic Confinement (IEC) fusion device was constructed to gauge its potential to achieve a net positive energy yield. The characteristics of the plasma were measured prior to an investigation of the fusion properties via Langmuir Probe and spectroscopic techniques. Data on neutron emissivity for several operation regimes of the IEC device were examined including; variations of the acceleration grid, reversed polarity (false anode), and resonant wave modes.