Physics of Nuclear Fusion Reactors

Ever since nuclear physics began to be understood in the 1920s, powering the world through the energy released by nuclear fusion has been a dream shared by many physicists and engineers. Reactor engineers continue to struggle with numerous hurdles preventing them from getting a working fusion reactor. I will examine the physics of nuclear reactions, the necessary conditions for fusion to occur in a reactor, the different reactions that could fuel fusion reactors, and the various plasma confinement strategies. I will also talk about why fusion power is so attractive and how a commercially viable reactor will change the world