The Fusion Energy Toolbox for MATLAB provides functions and scripts for analyzing fusion reactor designs. PSS has been developing nuclear fusion engine software since 2007 for projects with the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory and our own research and development. The functions are suitable for both fusion propulsion and terrestial power generation. The module includes all major fusion reactions and models for fusion power generation and losses. Tools for estimating masses for the balance of plant are also included. Functions for shielding calculations are available.
You can study key plasma physics such as collision cross-sections, bremsstrahlung and synchrotron radiation, confinement times, fusion power and many other values. Reactors with different fuels, such as D-T and D-He3 can be modeled. Analyze the levelized cost of electricity for a projected reactor. The following figure shows fusion cross-sections.
The following image shows a computation of the Saha equation for ionization fraction.
You can analyze magnet systems including mutual inductance of arrays of magnets. You can size low temperature and high temperature superconducting magnets to meet field or current needs.
With our Fusion Propulsion Add-On module, study trajectories to deep space destinations, or compute planetary departures and insertions for high-specific impulse propulsion systems. Example missions include Mars, Pluto, the solar gravitational lens (>600 AU), and Alpha Centauri. The Fusion Toolbox is fully compatible with the Spacecraft Control Toolbox. You can use both toolboxes together to design nuclear fusion propelled spacecraft and plan their missions.
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| Directory | Functionality |
|---|---|
| Brayton | Brayton cycles and turbomachinery |
| Cryo | Cryocooler sizing |
| Economics | Cost of fuel and electricity |
| EngineDesign | Reactor parameter reporting |
| FRC | Steady-state Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) machines |
| HeatTransfer | Cooling channels for reactors. Brayton cycles for power production. |
| Magnets | Magnet sizing energy methods and field for current |
| PlasmaPhysics | Plasma frequencies, reaction energies, cross-sections, etc |
| Reactor | Zero-dimensional fusion power models, divertors |
| RFSystem | Amplifier and inductor models |
| RMF | Rotating magnetic fields |
| Shielding | Neutron and X-ray attenuation |
| Tokamak | Tokamak-specific models |
| Transport | Confinement, collisions and equilibration |
Key References:
- NRL Plasma Formulary, Office of Naval Research, 2016
- McNally, “Physics of Fusion Fuel Cycles,” Nuclear Technology/Fusion, Vol. 2, Jan 1982
- Hugrass, W. N., and R. C. Grimm. “A Numerical Study of the Generation of an Azimuthal Current in a Plasma Cylinder Using a Transverse Rotating Magnetic Field.” Journal of Plasma Physics 26, no. 3 (December 1981): 455-464. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022377800010849
- M.J. Schaffer, “Considerations for Steady-State FRC-Based Fusion Space Propulsion”, General Atomics GA-A23579, Dec. 2000.
- Dawson, J. M., “Advanced Fusion Reactors,” Fusion, Teller, E. Editor, Academic Press, 1981.