Enhancement of the fusion reactivity due to the D-T non-Maxwellian ion distribution and its impact on Lawson criterion
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The non-thermal equilibrium, deviating from the Maxwellian distributions is extremely common in magnetically confined fusion plasmas and has a significant impact on fusion reactivity. Our focus in this contribution is on studying reactant particle distribution functions under steady-state conditions. The kinetic framework resolves steady-state Fokker–Planck solutions to characterize non-thermal ion velocity distributions in three distinct heating configurations: Neutral Beam Injection, three-ion species ion cyclotron resonance heating, and alpha particle heating. Numerical simulations indicate that non-Maxwellian distributions can increase fusion reactivity under appropriate parameter conditions while modifying the Lawson criteria thresholds. This study comprehensively analyzes the effects of kinetic modification on fusion reactivity, identifying quantifiable enhancement pathways for energy gain and providing implementable strategies for advanced reactor design.
Source: Physics of Plasmas
DOI: 10.1063/5.0276381
Authors: Yang Ye, Wei Zhang, Baonian Wan
Language: English
Subfield: Nuclear and High Energy Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4414017689