Geometry reconstruction of rapidly moving specular surfaces relevant to fusion energy devices

This project seeks to play a role in making fusion energy a reality, a big step in energy decarbonization. The project is in collaboration with General Fusion, based in British Columbia, where a fusion reactor is being designed, based on a spinning cylinder of liquid lithium which is mechanically collapsed around a plasma to produce fusion, releasing energy the same way as the sun.

One design challenge is for the lithium to be collapsed perfectly, since any asymmetry in the collapse leads to inadequate pressure and temperature for fusion. The proposed MITACS partnership between General Fusion and the University of Waterloo is to characterize, in detail, the precise shape of the liquid lithium both before and during the collapse. There are significant imaging challenges present, both from the high speed of collapse, and the extreme temperatures at which the reactor operates, making this an outstanding research project.

Faculty Supervisor:

Paul Fieguth

Student:

Partner:

General Fusion Inc

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services; Utilities

University:

University of Waterloo

Program: