FTI Research
- APEX
- ARIES
- Code Development
- D-3He Fuel Cycle
- Environmental Impact
- FIRE
- FRC
- HAPL
- IEC
- ITER
- Liquid Metal Safety
- Lunar Mining
- Medical Isotopes
- RadHydro
- Shock Tube
- Space Propulsion
- X1 Chamber
MFE & IFE Studies UW Neutronics Center of Excellence Inertial Electrostatic Confinement Shock Tube
Field-Reversed Configuration
Field-reversed configuration (FRC) power plants appear likely to
provide an excellent balance between potential reactor attractiveness
and technical development risk. In particular, (1) the linear,
cylindrical FRC geometry facilitates the design of tritium-breeding
blankets, shields, magnets, and input-power systems, and (2) the high
FRC beta (plasma pressure/magnetic field pressure) increases the
plasma power density and allows a compact reactor design.
With regard to fusion development, the FRC provides a good balance
between physics uncertainty and engineering attractiveness. The
trade-offs among physics, engineering, safety, and environmental
considerations have only recently gained prominence, and
excellent progress is being made by the small worldwide FRC research
community regarding physics obstacles.

