Review of impact fusion concepts (EM launchers)

The authors review the main features of the impact fusion concept in which gram-sized metallic projectiles from electromagnetic launchers collide around heavy-hydrogen fusile gas to produce thermonuclear plasma whose pressure brings the projectiles to rest, providing a pulse of fusion power during the 'turnaround' of the projectiles. They discuss the concepts of nonmagnetic as well as magnetically insulated, impact fusion, showing how its potential advantages as an inertial confinement system could be realized. Of particular interest is magnetically insulated impact fusion, where the decreased plasma heat loss may allow lower impact velocities, consistent with the nearer-term state of the art of electromagnetic launchers. Also considered is the concept of mechanical helicity injection that allows both convenience and flexibility in producing the final magnetic configuration.<
>