Joint European Torus

Definition

The Joint European Torus (JET) is a fusion research facility located in the UK, specifically designed to investigate and advance nuclear fusion technology. As the largest operational magnetic confinement fusion experiment, JET plays a pivotal role in the historical development of fusion research, serves as a key step in the roadmap to commercial fusion power, and exemplifies international collaboration in scientific endeavors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. JET was established in 1983 and has been a significant contributor to the understanding of plasma behavior and magnetic confinement.
2. The facility has achieved several world records in plasma performance, including producing more than 16 megawatts of fusion power in a single pulse.
3. JET's experiments have provided vital data that informs the design and operation of future fusion reactors, especially ITER.
4. As part of the European Fusion Programme, JET collaborates with multiple countries and institutions to promote research in nuclear fusion.
5. The success of JET's experiments is critical for validating the physics of fusion processes before transitioning to larger projects like ITER.

Review Questions

• How has the Joint European Torus contributed to the historical development of fusion research?
  • The Joint European Torus has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of plasma behavior and magnetic confinement since its establishment in 1983. It has produced valuable experimental data that has shaped theoretical models and guided subsequent projects in fusion research. By achieving numerous milestones, JET has set the foundation for future experiments and enhanced global collaboration in the pursuit of viable nuclear fusion technology.
• In what ways does JET support the roadmap to commercial fusion power?
  • JET supports the roadmap to commercial fusion power by conducting experiments that validate essential physics principles needed for future reactors. Its results contribute directly to improving efficiency and stability in plasma containment, which are critical for sustaining fusion reactions. The findings from JET are essential for designing next-generation facilities like ITER, ultimately helping to pave the way for practical fusion energy solutions.
• Evaluate the impact of international collaboration exemplified by JET on global nuclear fusion research efforts.
  • The international collaboration represented by JET has significantly enhanced global nuclear fusion research by pooling resources, expertise, and data from multiple countries. This cooperation fosters an environment where scientists can share knowledge and tackle common challenges collectively. The successes achieved at JET have encouraged further partnerships, leading to large-scale projects like ITER, thereby accelerating progress toward achieving practical nuclear fusion energy as a sustainable power source.

Related terms

Magnetic Confinement: A method used in fusion reactors to contain hot plasma using magnetic fields to prevent it from coming into contact with the reactor walls.

Tokamak: A type of magnetic confinement device that uses a combination of magnetic fields to confine plasma in a toroidal shape, crucial for sustaining nuclear fusion reactions.

ITER: The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor, a major international project aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of nuclear fusion as a large-scale and carbon-free energy source.