Nuclear fusion is a promising frontier in the pursuit of clean and endless energy. Scientists are attempting to mimic the sun’s power generation process in fusion reactors by fusing atoms together. However, the extreme heat generated in this process presents a significant challenge. To address this, researchers have been delving into the science of heat management, with a focus on the unique metal, tungsten.
Tungsten is a remarkable metal known for its strength, ability to withstand high temperatures, and resistance to warping or weakening from heat. These properties make it highly effective at conducting heat away quickly and efficiently, making it ideal for use in the super-hot conditions of a fusion reactor. The metal’s rapid heat loading capabilities also have applications in aerospace, such as rocket engine nozzles, heat shields, and turbine blade coatings.
Understanding how tungsten interacts with heat provides valuable insights for developing new materials for fusion reactors that can better withstand extreme conditions. In a recent study, scientists developed a new method to closely examine how tungsten manages heat at the atomic level.
The research team focused on exploring the phenomenon of phonon scattering, a process where lattice vibrations within a solid material interact, influencing the material’s ability to conduct heat. By shedding light on the behavior of phonons in tungsten, the team has provided a deeper understanding of the metal’s heat management capabilities.
2024-03-14 00:00:04
Original from phys.org