Components for containing liquid fuel

Abstract

A component (2) for containing fluid fuel, which will be impacted by a shock wave incident on the component (2). The component (2) includes a first portion (4) and a second portion (6). The first portion (4) and the second portion (6) define a chamber (8) configured to contain the fluid fuel. The first portion (4) and the second portion (6) are connected at a connector (10). At least a portion of the connector (10) follows a non-linear path.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a component for containing fluid fuel, which will be subjected to a shock wave incident on the component. In particular, this invention relates to a component for containing fluid fuel, which will be subjected to a high-pressure quasi-spherical shock wave incident on the component, thereby generating a high local energy concentration within the fuel.

[0002] A component for containing fluid fuel that will be subjected to impact typically includes a chamber within the component for holding the fuel. This component can be formed from two or more parts connected at radial joints. In such a component, it is advantageous to have tight control over the characteristics of the shock wave and the condition of the fuel; however, the joints can introduce inconsistencies into the component, which may interfere with the characteristics of the shock wave and the condition of the fuel.

[0003] The present invention aims to provide alternative component designs that reduce the harmful effects of joints between two or more parts of a component.

[0004] When viewed from a first aspect of the invention, a component is provided for containing fluid fuel, the fluid fuel being subjected to a shock wave incident on the component, the component comprising: Part One; and Part Two; The first portion and the second portion define a chamber configured to contain the fluid fuel; The first part and the second part are connected at the joint; and At least a portion of the joint follows a nonlinear path.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides a component capable of holding (e.g., containing) fluid fuel (e.g., liquid and / or gas) such that the fluid fuel can be exposed to a shock wave. In particular, the component can be configured to hold the fluid fuel in a chamber such that the fluid fuel can be exposed to a high-pressure shock wave, thereby causing the fluid fuel to collapse and energy to concentrate within the fluid fuel, which may create the necessary conditions for nuclear fusion.

[0006] As will be seen, using the components according to the invention, the nonlinear path of the joint reduces or even eliminates the presence of material jet and / or exhaust gas impacts. Thus, the interaction of the shock wave with the fluid fuel in the chamber is unaffected by the material jet and / or exhaust gas impacts, potentially leading to more efficient fuel collapse and therefore higher fusion yields.

[0007] The component is formed of at least two parts. The component includes a first part and a second part. The first part and the second part can be connected in any suitable and desirable manner to form the component. In some embodiments, the first part may rest on the second part (e.g., rest on top of the second part), such that the first part and the second part abut against each other.

[0008] The first and second portions can have any suitable and desired shape. In some embodiments, the first and / or second portions of the component are substantially rotationally symmetrical about an axis (i.e., an axis of symmetry), such that the axis passes through, for example, the center of the component or, for example, the center of the chamber. In some embodiments, when the first and second portions are assembled into the component, the first and second portions share the same axis of symmetry (i.e., the first and second portions are coaxial), such that the component is rotationally symmetrical about the axis of symmetry.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first and / or second portions have a generally circular cross-section, for example, in a plane perpendicular to their axis of symmetry. In some embodiments, the diameter of the circular cross-section may vary across the first and / or second portions (e.g., along the length of the axis of symmetry). In embodiments, the components and / or chambers are generally spherical. Therefore, in embodiments, the first and / or second portions are generally hemispherical.

[0010] In some embodiments, the component has an elliptical cross-section, for example, in a plane parallel to (e.g., encompassing) the component's axis of symmetry. Thus, in some embodiments, the component is generally oval (egg-shaped), and for example, the first and / or second portions are generally semi-oval. An oval component can help manipulate (e.g., focus) the shock wave as it propagates toward the chamber into the component.

[0011] Preferably, one end of the oval component (e.g., formed by the first portion) is more tapered, while the other end (e.g., formed by the second portion) is more rounded. Preferably, the component has a maximum dimension (e.g., the longest dimension (major axis) of the oval body) that is parallel to (e.g., coaxial) the axis of symmetry of the component.

[0012] In an embodiment, the axis of symmetry of the (e.g., oval) component is coaxial with the axis of symmetry of the (e.g., spherical) chamber.

[0013] The first and / or second portion preferably each includes an inner wall and an outer wall. The outer wall may define the outer surface of the first and / or second portion respectively (and thus define the outer surface of the component when the first and second portions are assembled to form a component). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the outer and / or inner walls (of the first and / or second portions) may be curved.

[0014] For example, when the first part and the second part are assembled to form a component, the first part (e.g., the inner wall of the first part) and the second part (e.g., the inner wall of the second part) preferably define a cavity together. The first part (e.g., the inner wall of the first part) and the second part (e.g., the inner wall of the second part) preferably define the periphery (surface area) of the cavity together, such as the entire (surface area) periphery of the cavity (e.g., except for the filling conduit).

[0015] The inner walls of the first and second portions can have any suitable and desired shape. In some embodiments, the inner walls of the first and / or second portions of the component are substantially rotationally symmetrical about an axis (i.e., an axis of symmetry), such that the axis passes through, for example, the center of the component or, for example, the center of the chamber. In some embodiments, when the first and second portions are assembled into the component, the inner walls of the first and second portions share the same axis of symmetry, such that the chamber is substantially rotationally symmetrical about the axis of symmetry.

[0016] In some embodiments, the chamber has a generally circular cross-section, for example, in a plane perpendicular to the axis of symmetry. In some embodiments, the diameter of the (e.g., circular) cross-section of the chamber may vary across the chamber (e.g., along the length of the axis of symmetry).

[0017] The outer walls of the first part and the second part can have any suitable and desired shape. Since the outer walls form the (external) shape of the components (the first part and the second part), in the embodiments, the outer walls are the shapes outlined herein with respect to the components (the first part and the second part).

[0018] In one embodiment, the component is configured to spherically focus the input shock wave, for example, toward a chamber (e.g., the center of the chamber).

[0019] In an embodiment, for example, the first and / or second portions of the component have a thickness that is large enough to effectively manipulate the input shock wave. The thickness of the first portion, the second portion, and / or the component can be defined as the shortest distance between the inner and outer walls (e.g., in a plane perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the component) (e.g., from the chamber to the outside of the component (e.g., the first and / or second portions of the component)).

[0020] In some embodiments, the diameter of the chamber is approximately half the diameter of the component (e.g., in a plane perpendicular to the axis of symmetry). In some embodiments, the diameter of the chamber may be greater than one-quarter of the diameter of the component, in some embodiments greater than one-third of the diameter of the component, and in some embodiments greater than half the diameter of the component.

[0021] In one embodiment, the thickness of the component (e.g., a first and / or second portion of the component) is similar to (e.g., substantially equal to) the maximum size of the chamber (e.g., the diameter). In another embodiment, the thickness of the component (e.g., a first and / or second portion of the component) is greater than the maximum size of the chamber (e.g., the diameter).

[0022] In an embodiment, the total volume of the component (e.g., including the volume of the first part and the second part, and the volume of the cavity defined by the first part and the second part) is significantly larger than the volume of the cavity.

[0023] In an embodiment, the thickness of the component (e.g., the first and / or second portion of the component) is greater than 1 / 10 of the maximum size (e.g., diameter) of the chamber, for example, greater than 1 / 5 of the maximum size (e.g., diameter) of the chamber, for example, greater than 3 / 10 of the maximum size (e.g., diameter) of the chamber, for example, greater than 2 / 5 of the maximum size (e.g., diameter) of the chamber, for example, greater than half of the maximum size (e.g., diameter) of the chamber.

[0024] Components (e.g., a first and / or second portion of a component) may have any suitable and desired dimensions, for example, determined by the specific application of the component. In one embodiment, the diameter and / or maximum dimension of a component (e.g., a first and / or second portion of a component) is between 0.1 mm and 100 mm, for example between 1 mm and 50 mm, for example between 2 mm and 10 mm, for example approximately 3 mm, 5 mm, or 8 mm.

[0025] In embodiments, the thickness of the component (e.g., the first and / or second portion of the component) is between 0.025 mm and 25 mm, for example between 0.25 mm and 12.5 mm, for example between 0.5 mm and 2.5 mm, for example approximately 0.75 mm, 1.25 mm or 2 mm.

[0026] In one embodiment, the maximum size of the chamber (e.g., diameter) is between 0.05 mm and 50 mm, for example between 0.5 mm and 25 mm, for example between 1 mm and 5 mm, for example approximately 1.5 mm, 2.5 mm or 4 mm.

[0027] The component can be formed from any suitable and desired material. The first and second portions of the component can be formed from the same material. In some embodiments, the component is formed from a high-Z material. In some embodiments, the component is formed from a metal and / or a metal alloy. For example, the component can be formed from one or more of the following: gold, tungsten, copper, tantalum, and / or alloys containing one or more of gold, tungsten, tantalum, and / or copper. These materials may be advantageous due to their high density, high toughness, and / or high strength.

[0028] In some embodiments, components (e.g., a first and / or a second portion of a component) are configured to (e.g., substantially) manipulate an input shock wave. It will be understood that, in order to be configured to manipulate the input shock wave, components (e.g., a first and / or a second portion of a component) are designed to manipulate the shock wave in a specific and intentional manner. Therefore, elements that have some influence on the propagation of the shock wave solely due to their construction, but are not designed or intended to have a specific influence on the input shock wave, will not be understood as being configured to manipulate the input shock wave.

[0029] In some embodiments, manipulating the shock wave includes accelerating the shock wave, decelerating the shock wave, reflecting portions of the shock wave (e.g., reflecting portions of the shock wave multiple times such that portions of the shock wave are superimposed), and changing the shape of the shock wave by decelerating and / or accelerating different portions of the shock wave in different ways (e.g., slowing down the portion of the shock wave aligned with the chamber such that the shock wave can bend around the chamber).

[0030] In some embodiments, the component (e.g., a first and / or second portion of the component) is configured to spherically focus the input shock wave, for example, toward a chamber (e.g., the center of the chamber).

[0031] The first and second parts are joined together at a joint to form a component. Therefore, the boundary between the first and second parts forms a joint. The joint may extend across the thickness of the component (i.e., the thickness between the inner and outer walls of the component). The joint may extend across the thickness of the component around its entire perimeter. In some embodiments, the joint may be defined between the bottom surface of the first part and the top surface of the second part.

[0032] In some embodiments, the joint may be rotationally symmetrical (e.g., about the axis of symmetry of the component). For example, the shape of the joint is substantially the same in any plane that cuts through the component by any plane containing the axis of symmetry; for example, the joint is a swirling surface of the cross-sectional path.

[0033] In some embodiments, the joint is a one-dimensional shape comprising a curved portion and / or at least one corner, obtained by cutting a section of the component with a plane containing an axis of symmetry. In some embodiments, the joint is a one-dimensional shape that rotates about the axis of symmetry of the component. Therefore, the joint can be a two-dimensional surface.

[0034] At least a portion of the joint follows a non-linear path. The path of the joint is the direction of a line or surface between the chamber and the exterior of the component (e.g., between the outer and inner walls of the component), which is formed at the boundary between the first and second portions.

[0035] A linear path will be a line or surface that extends in a single direction between the outer and inner walls of a component. For example, a joint that extends only in the radial direction between the outer and inner walls of a component will have a linear path. In this example, in a plane containing the axis of symmetry of the component, the joint will appear as a straight line extending between the outer and inner walls of the component.

[0036] It will be understood that the term "nonlinear" is intended to cover joints that contain at least one directional change in the path or surface of the joint (e.g., between the outer and inner walls of a component), such as curved paths or surfaces, stepped paths or surfaces, paths or surfaces including one or more corners, zigzag paths, etc. Paths or surfaces with multiple corners can be considered as labyrinthine paths or surfaces.

[0037] In some embodiments, the connector may include (e.g., extending from the inner wall of the component) a first linear portion connected via a first bend to a second linear portion, the second linear portion further connected via a second bend to a third linear portion (e.g., extending to the outer wall of the component). In some examples, the first and third linear portions may extend in a substantially radial direction (e.g., perpendicular to the component's axis of symmetry). In some embodiments, the second linear portion may be substantially perpendicular to the first and / or third linear portions (e.g., parallel to the component's axis of symmetry). In some embodiments, the first and / or second bends may be approximately 90 degrees.

[0038] In some embodiments, the connector is configured to allow fluid fuel to be supplied to the chamber. In some embodiments, the connector is configured to provide fluid communication between the exterior of the component and the chamber, for example, the chamber and the exterior of the component may be fluidly connected via the connector. In this way, the connector can provide a path that allows fluid (e.g., from the exterior of the component) to enter the chamber.

[0039] The connector can be configured to allow fluid fuel to be supplied to the chamber in any suitable and desired manner. In some embodiments, the component may be surrounded by fluid fuel, allowing the fluid fuel to flow freely into the chamber. In some embodiments, a pressure differential (e.g., a lower pressure inside the chamber and a higher pressure outside the component) may be used to help ensure the flow of fluid fuel into the chamber.

[0040] In some embodiments, the component includes a fuel filling line. In some embodiments, the connector and / or fuel filling line are configured to allow fluid fuel to be supplied to the chamber.

[0041] In some embodiments, the fuel filling line extends between the outer wall of the component and the inner wall of the component. The fuel filling line may be configured to provide fluid communication between the exterior of the component and the chamber (i.e., to fluidly connect the exterior of the component and the chamber).

[0042] In some embodiments, the width (e.g., diameter) of the fuel filling line is less than 100 micrometers, for example less than 50 micrometers, for example less than 10 micrometers, for example less than 5 micrometers, for example less than 2 micrometers.

[0043] In one embodiment, the filling conduit has a proximal end leading to a chamber (e.g., forming an opening in the inner wall of the component) and a distal end leading to the outside of the component (e.g., forming an opening in the outer wall of the component).

[0044] In some embodiments, the fuel-filling line is formed along the joint in the surface of a first portion of the component and / or the surface of a second portion. Therefore, in some embodiments, the fuel-filling line follows the path of the joint in at least one dimension.

[0045] The fuel-filled line can be formed in any suitable and desired manner. In some embodiments, the fuel-filled line is formed as a groove in the adjacent surface of one or both of the first and second portions. For example, the fuel-filled line can be etched or machined into the surface of the first portion and / or the second portion. In some embodiments, the first and / or second portions are formed in a mold that includes protrusions in the desired shape of the fuel-filled line.

[0046] In some embodiments, the component includes a plate configured to be sandwiched between adjacent surfaces of a first portion and a second portion, wherein a fuel filling line is formed as a groove or slot in the plate. Such embodiments may facilitate the manufacture of the component because the fuel filling line can be formed separately from the first and second portions.

[0047] The plate can have any suitable and desired shape. In some embodiments, the plate can have a shape substantially the same as (at least a portion of) the joint. This can help ensure that the first and second parts are assembled together in the desired manner (e.g., maintaining the desired shape of the joint). In some embodiments, the plate is annular.

[0048] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the fuel-filled pipeline follows a nonlinear path. A nonlinear fuel-filled pipeline can be advantageous for at least the same reasons as a nonlinear joint. That is, fluid fuel can be supplied to the chamber via the fuel-filled pipeline, but the nonlinear path of the fuel-filled pipeline reduces or even eliminates the presence of material jets and / or exhaust gas impacts. Thus, the interaction of the shock wave with the fluid fuel in the chamber may be unaffected by such material jets and / or exhaust gas impacts, potentially leading to more efficient fuel collapse and therefore higher fusion yields.

[0049] In some embodiments, the components are rotationally symmetrical about a central axis. This can help ensure that the shock wave arrives at the outer periphery of the chamber substantially simultaneously (i.e., the shock wave reaches the fuel). This can help ensure that the fuel collapses symmetrically.

[0050] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the joint (e.g., in a cross-section through the component, for example, in a plane parallel to (e.g., containing) the axis of symmetry) follows a helical path.

[0051] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the joint (e.g., in a cross-section through the component, for example, in a plane parallel to (e.g., including) the axis of symmetry) follows an Archimedean spiral path. At each point on the portion of the joint following the Archimedean spiral path, the joint forms the same angle with the radial direction (i.e., the propagation direction of the input spherical shock wave). Thus, the effect of the joint shape is the same throughout the entire portion of the joint following the Archimedean spiral path.

[0052] In some embodiments, the entire joint may (e.g., in a cross-section through the component, for example, in a plane parallel to (e.g., encompassing) the axis of symmetry) follow an Archimedean spiral path. In some embodiments, the joint may follow a path that alternates between portions following a first-chirality Archimedean spiral path and portions following a second-chirality Archimedean spiral path (e.g., rather than a continuous spiral). This can help ensure that the first and second portions can be put together to form the component.

[0053] In some embodiments, the portion of the connector that follows an Archimedean spiral path forms an angle φ with the radial direction of the component at any point on that portion.

[0054] In some embodiments, the connector is configured such that φ is greater than a first threshold. The first threshold may be the angle at which the material jet no longer reaches the chamber. Thus, in such embodiments, the negative impact of the material jet on fuel collapse can be avoided or (e.g., significantly) reduced.

[0055] In some embodiments, the first threshold is in the range of 30° to 50°.

[0056] In some embodiments, the connector is configured such that φ is greater than a second threshold. The second threshold may be the angle at which the exhaust gas impact no longer reaches the chamber (e.g., in embodiments where the connector is used to allow fuel to enter the chamber). Thus, in such embodiments, negative effects on fuel collapse (e.g., lack of symmetry in the overall impact state) can be avoided or (e.g., significantly) reduced.

[0057] In some embodiments, the connector is configured such that φ is less than a second threshold. The second threshold can be the angle at which the exhaust gas impact no longer reaches the chamber (e.g., in embodiments where the connector is used to allow fuel to enter the chamber). Thus, in such embodiments, the exhaust gas impact can be allowed to reach the fluid fuel in the chamber. This can be advantageous because the exhaust gas impact can act as a preconditioner (e.g., preheater or precompressor) of the fluid fuel.

[0058] In some embodiments, the second threshold is in the range of 50° to 60°.

[0059] In embodiments where the component includes a fuel-filling line, at least a portion of the fuel-filling line may follow a helical path. The helical path of the fuel-filling line may have any or more of the characteristics discussed above regarding the helical path of the connector. It will be understood that the fuel-filling line will generally follow a one-dimensional path, while the connector will generally follow a two-dimensional surface, which may, for example, be a spiral surface of the one-dimensional path.

[0060] In some embodiments, the joint (e.g., in a cross-section through the component, for example, in a plane parallel to (e.g., including) an axis of symmetry) follows a path that includes one or more corners.

[0061] In some embodiments, one or more corners can help prevent material from being ejected into the component. When the shock wave reaches the component, low-density material may be forced into the joint. However, when the low-density material reaches a corner, it is forced to change direction, which introduces turbulence and slows the material down. In examples of joints with more than one corner, the low-density material is further slowed down as it is forced to change direction again at each subsequent corner.

[0062] Therefore, one or more corners are configured to slow down the low-density material, allowing the shock wave to reach the chamber before the low-density material. This helps ensure that the low-density material cannot penetrate the fuel in the chamber before the shock wave reaches it. This also helps avoid introducing impurities into the fuel, which could negatively impact the energy concentration generated by the shock wave.

[0063] In embodiments where a joint is used to allow fuel to enter the chamber, one or more bends can also help prevent slugging of the exhaust gas. Any residual fuel in the joint could be impacted when the shock wave reaches the component. However, as the fuel reaches the bend, it is forced to change direction, which introduces turbulence and slows the fuel down. In examples with joints having more than one bend, the fuel is further slowed down as it is forced to change direction again at each subsequent bend.

[0064] Therefore, one or more corners are configured to slow down the fuel, allowing the shock wave to reach the chamber before the impacted fuel. This helps prevent fuel irregularities inside the chamber, thus helping to ensure symmetrical fuel collapse.

[0065] In some embodiments, one or more of the corners is approximately 90°.

[0066] In embodiments where the component includes a fuel filling line, the fuel filling line may follow a path that includes one or more bends. The bends(s) of the fuel filling line may have any one or more of the characteristics discussed above regarding bends(s) of the connector(s).

[0067] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the connector (e.g., in a cross-section through the component, for example, in a plane parallel to (e.g., including) the axis of symmetry) follows a path parallel to the central axis of the component. This can help prevent or reduce the effects of material ejection and / or venting gas shocks, because any material ejection and / or venting gas shocks generated by other (e.g., radial) portions of the connector may be disrupted by subsequent segments parallel to the central axis of the component due to the geometry of the connector relative to the shock wave. In some embodiments, the connector is configured to change the direction of the fluid fuel as it travels through the connector. In some embodiments where a connector has already been used to allow fuel into the chamber, this can help prevent material ejection and / or venting gas shocks.

[0068] When the shock wave front reaches the component, low-density materials and / or gases may be forced into the joint. However, forcing the low-density materials and / or gases to change direction introduces turbulence and slows them down. This helps ensure that the shock wave front reaches the chamber before the low-density materials and / or gases, and that the low-density materials and / or gases cannot penetrate the fuel in the chamber before the shock wave reaches the fuel. This helps avoid introducing impurities into the fuel, which could negatively affect the energy concentration generated by the shock wave.

[0069] In some embodiments, the first portion and the second portion are configured to be movable relative to each other in at least one direction. In some embodiments, the at least one direction may be a vertical direction (i.e., a direction parallel to the central axis of the component). This can help ensure that the first portion and the second portion can be placed together to form the component.

[0070] The first and second parts can be placed together in any suitable and desirable manner to form a component. In some embodiments, the first part of the component is lowered onto the second part of the component.

[0071] To facilitate this, the shape of the joint can be configured such that the first and second portions of the component can be placed together in at least one direction. In some embodiments, the first and second portions of the component are configured to move relative to each other in at least one direction, while the top surface of the second portion and the bottom surface of the first portion do not contact each other.

[0072] In some embodiments, the connector has a thickness of less than 10 micrometers, preferably less than 5 micrometers (e.g., the thickness between the first portion (adjacent surface) and the second portion (adjacent surface)).

[0073] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a system is provided, the system comprising: As outlined in this article, the components; and A device configured to generate (e.g., quasi-spherical) shock waves to be incident on the component.

[0074] This component can be arranged to be used with any suitable and desired fuel. In an embodiment, the fluid includes fuel, such as fuel for nuclear fusion. In an embodiment, the fluid contains one or more (e.g., all) of the following: deuterium, liquid deuterium, tritium, liquid tritium, deuterium-tritium (DT) gas, and deuterium-tritium (DT) liquid.

[0075] It will be understood that, as used herein, the term “impact resistance” is intended to mean “the pressure that must be applied to a medium in order to impart a unit particle velocity to a portion of that medium” (Henderson, “On the refraction of shockwaves,” *Journal of Fluid Mechanics*, January 1989, Vol. 198, pp. 365–386). Impact resistance is equal to the product of the impact velocity and the density of the unimpacted material.

[0076] The component can have any suitable and desired size, for example, to be determined by the specific application of the component. In one embodiment, the thickness, diameter and / or maximum size of the component is between 0.1 mm and 100 mm, for example between 1 mm and 50 mm, for example between 2 mm and 10 mm, for example about 3 mm, 5 mm or 8 mm.

[0077] Certain embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a component with a conventional joint is shown; Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a component with a stepped joint is shown; Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of a component with a stepped joint is shown; Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a component having multiple stepped sections at the joint is shown; Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a component with multiple inclined portions at the joint is shown; Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a component having multiple helical sections at the joint is shown; Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 A magnified view of a portion; Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the spiral joint is shown as the shock wave propagates through the component; Figure 9 An exploded perspective view of a component with stepped joints and labyrinthine filled piping is shown; and Figure 10 An exploded perspective view of a component with stepped joints and spiral-filled piping is shown.

[0078] It will be understood that, as used herein, the terms “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “side,” “base,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” etc., are included for clarity and are intended to refer to the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that, in use, components and systems may operate in any suitable and desired orientation.

[0079] It will be understood that each of the components described herein can be configured for use as part of a nuclear fusion process. Therefore, the fluid fuel mentioned herein can be a fusion-capable fuel, such as deuterium. If the fuel is placed under sufficiently high pressure, it will collapse, resulting in intense pressure and temperature within the collapsing fluid fuel, which may be sufficient to trigger fusion.

[0080] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a component 2 having a conventional connector 10 is shown. In this embodiment, component 2 is formed of a first portion 4 and a second portion 6. The first portion 4 and the second portion 6 are assembled together at the connector 10 and define a chamber 8 within component 2. The chamber 8 can be used to contain fluid (e.g., gaseous) fuel used as part of a nuclear fusion process. The first portion 4 and the second portion 6 are assembled together at the connector 10, leaving a small gap along the length of the connector 10. In some embodiments, fuel can enter the chamber through the connector 10. Thus, the connector 10 provides a means for fluid communication between the exterior of component 2 and the chamber 8.

[0081] In this embodiment, connector 10 is a linear radial connector. Connector 10 follows a straight path from the outer surface of component 2 to the outer periphery of chamber 8. Connector 10 follows a path along the radial direction of component 2.

[0082] In this embodiment, component 2 is rotationally symmetrical about its central axis 12. Therefore, if connector 10 is used to allow fuel to enter chamber 8, fuel can enter chamber 8 from any point along the periphery of component 2 through connector 10.

[0083] Although in this embodiment, component 2 is formed of two parts 4 and 6, it will be understood that component 2 can be formed of any suitable and desired number of parts. Therefore, in some embodiments, component 2 includes a plurality of connectors 10 in fluid communication with chamber 8.

[0084] Component 2 is used to contain fuel when it is subjected to a shock wave. The shock wave impacts component 2 in a radial direction. The problem with the linear radial joint 10 is that when the shock wave reaches the outer surface of component 2, lower-density material is forced into the linear radial joint 10. This lower-density material may include lower-density materials used within the component itself, as well as lower-density materials from components of the system employing the component.

[0085] For example, the component can be suspended in a certain volume of PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate). This material forms a jet that travels faster than the impact in component 2, allowing the material jet to penetrate the fuel in volume 8 before the shock wave reaches it. This introduces impurities into the fuel, which negatively affect the energy concentration generated by the shock wave.

[0086] In the case of gaseous fuel that has already entered chamber 8 through linear radial connector 10, another potential problem with linear radial connector 10 is the exhaust gas shock. The exhaust gas shock is a product of residual fuel present in linear radial connector 10. This fuel is impacted before the shock wave reaches the fuel in chamber 8, and the gas shock in linear radial connector 10 is then expelled into chamber 8, resulting in irregularities in the fuel inside the chamber. This irregularity can negatively affect the characteristics of fuel collapse. However, in embodiments, the exhaust gas shock may be advantageous, as will be explained below.

[0087] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of component 2 with a stepped connector 10 is shown. In this embodiment, connector 10 includes a first radial section 10a, a vertical section 10b, and a second radial section 10c. Radial sections 10a and 10c are substantially perpendicular to the surface in front of the shock wave. Radial sections 10a and 10c are also substantially perpendicular to the vertical section 10b.

[0088] Sections 10a-10c of connector 10 are connected and provide means for fluid communication between the exterior of component 2 and chamber 8. A first radial section 10a extends inward from the outer surface of component 2. The first radial section 10a is connected to a vertical section 10b via a bend 10d. The vertical section 10b is connected to a second radial section 10c via a bend 10e, which extends to the outer surface of chamber 8. In this embodiment, radial sections 10a and 10c are substantially perpendicular to the vertical section 10b. Therefore, bends 10d and 10e are right angles.

[0089] Corners 10d and 10e help prevent material from being ejected into component 2. When the shock wave front reaches component 2, low-density material may be forced into joint 10. This low-density material may be able to travel along the first radial section 10a at a higher speed than the shock wave front. However, when the low-density material reaches the first corner 10d, it is forced to change direction, which introduces turbulence and slows the material down. When the low-density material is forced to change direction again at the second corner 10e, it is further slowed down.

[0090] Therefore, corners 10d and 10e are configured to slow down the low-density material, allowing the shock wave to reach chamber 8 before the low-density material. This helps ensure that the low-density material cannot penetrate the fuel in chamber 8 before the shock wave reaches the fuel. This also helps avoid introducing impurities into the fuel, which could negatively affect the energy concentration generated by the shock wave.

[0091] In embodiments where connector 10 is already used to allow fuel into chamber 8, corners 10d and 10e also help prevent spurious gas impacts. Any residual fuel in connector 10 may be impacted when the shock wave front reaches component 2. This fuel may be able to travel along the first radial segment 10a at a higher speed than the shock wave front. However, when the fuel reaches the first corner 10d, it is forced to change direction, which introduces turbulence and slows the fuel. The fuel is further slowed when it is forced to change direction again at the second corner 10e.

[0092] Therefore, corners 10d and 10e are configured to slow down the fuel, ensuring that the shock wave arrives at chamber 8 before the impacted fuel. This helps prevent fuel irregularities inside the chamber, thus helping to ensure symmetrical fuel collapse.

[0093] Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of component 2 with stepped joint 10 is shown. Figure 3 Component 2 and Figure 2 Component 2 is identical. As can be seen in the figure, component 2 (including the features of connector 10) is rotationally symmetrical as described above. This helps ensure that the shock wave front reaches the entire outer periphery of chamber 8 substantially simultaneously (i.e., the fuel reaches the shock wave front). This helps ensure symmetrical collapse of the fuel.

[0094] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of component 2, which has multiple stepped sections at joint 10, is shown. Figure 4 The connector 10 is similar to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The connector 10, however, in this embodiment, includes a plurality of vertical portions 10b. Each pair of vertical portions 10b is connected to a radial portion 10a via a bend 10d.

[0095] Figure 4 The connector 10 is similar to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The process operates in a manner that, if the material jet is formed or the exhaust gas is impacted, the material jet or exhaust gas is forced to change its direction at each corner of the corner 10d. This change of direction reduces the velocity of the material, causing the shock wave front to reach the fuel in chamber 8 before any lower density material and / or the impacted exhaust gas.

[0096] The shape of the connector 10 (including the number of radial portions 10a, vertical portions 10b, and / or corners 10d) can vary to ensure that the shock wave reaches the fuel in the chamber 8 before any low-density material and / or the ejected impact gas. Thus, if the component is designed to eliminate any material jets and any ejected gas impacts, a large number of corners 10d should be used.

[0097] However, if the joint 10 includes a large number of bends 10d, the joint 10 will be longer, and therefore the overall density of the component will be reduced. This reduction in density may affect how shock waves propagate through the component, and thus potentially affect the successful collapse of the fuel. Thus, a trade-off must be found between minimizing material jets and / or gas impacts and maintaining sufficient density in the component.

[0098] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of component 2 having multiple inclined portions at joint 10 is shown. Joint 10 includes multiple inclined portions 10f and multiple vertical portions 10g. The inclined portions 10f and vertical portions 10g are alternately connected via multiple bends 10h.

[0099] In some embodiments, the inclined portion 10f can be used as Figure 2 and Figure 3 An alternative to the radial portion 10a and the vertical portion 10b. If the inclined portion 10f is used instead of the radial portion 10a and the vertical portion 10b, the path length of the joint 10 can be shorter. This can help increase the overall density of the components, thereby helping to ensure that the shock wave propagates symmetrically through the component 2.

[0100] also, Figure 5 The connector 10 includes multiple bends 10h. These bends 10h can help reduce the impact of material injection and / or exhaust fuel. If a jet of low-density material and / or exhaust fuel reaches a bend 10h, the jet is forced to change direction, which introduces turbulence and slows down the material and / or fuel. This occurs each time the material and / or fuel reaches one of the multiple bends 10h. Therefore, the bends 10h are configured to slow down the material and / or fuel so that the shock wave front reaches the chamber 8 before the material and / or the impacted fuel.

[0101] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of component 2 having multiple helical portions at joint 10 is shown. Joint 10 includes multiple helical portions 10i, 10j. The multiple helical portions 10i have first chirality, and the multiple helical portions 10k have second chirality. The helical portions 10i and helical portions 10j are alternately connected via multiple bends 10k.

[0102] The spiral sections 10i and 10j can help reduce the impact of material ejection and / or exhaust gas.

[0103] Multiple helical portions 10i and 10j of connector 10 are formed as part of an Archimedean spiral (e.g. https: / / Defined by mathworld.wolfram.com / ArchimedesSpiral.html In this embodiment, the connector 10 forms an angle θ with the outer edge of the chamber 8 (i.e., the tangent 16 of the outer edge of the chamber 8). Due to the Archimedean spiral shape of the connector 10, at each point on the connector 10, the connector 10 also forms an angle θ with the tangent of the spherical impact shock wave along the radius 14 of the component 2. Thus, at any given point along the radius 14 of the component 2, the connector 10 forms an angle φ with the radial direction 14, where φ = θ - 90°.

[0104] Reference Figure 8 The diagram illustrates the function of the spiral joint 10 as a shock wave propagates through component 2 toward chamber 8. For the purposes of the following explanation, the function of the spiral joint 10 will be described in two dimensions. Figure 8 The situation is described. Thus, the connector 10 will be considered to have an inner wall and an outer wall, wherein the inner wall is the wall closer to the chamber 8.

[0105] from Figure 8 As can be seen, due to the helical shape of the connector 10, the shock wave front 18 is not perpendicular to the central axis of the connector 10 as in the case of the linear radial connector 10. Thus, an acute angle is formed at point 20 where the shock wave front 18 contacts the inner wall of the connector 10. As the shock wave front 18 propagates towards the chamber 8, point 20 moves downwards along the connector 10 towards the chamber 8. If point 20 moves downwards along the connector 10 faster than the material jet, the jet reaches the fuel in the chamber 8 only after the shock wave front 18 has already reached the fuel in the chamber 8, thus avoiding problems associated with material ejection.

[0106] In the embodiment where the connector 10 allows fuel to enter the chamber 8, the multiple helical portions 10i, 10j also help prevent exhaust gas impacts. If point 20 moves downward along the connector 10 faster than the exhaust gas impact, the exhaust gas impact will not reach the fuel in the chamber 8 until the shock wave front 18 has already reached the fuel, and thus any problems associated with exhaust gas impacts can be avoided. Of course, it will be understood that point 20 is not a moving physical substance; it is simply the point where the shock wave front 18 intersects with the inner wall.

[0107] The larger the value of θ, the faster point 20 moves. Thus, there exists a threshold for θ where point 20 travels faster than the material jet, and θ also has a value where point 20 travels faster than the exhaust gas impact.

[0108] For component 2 shown, these thresholds have been determined using simulation. The threshold for θ at which point 20 travels faster than the material jet (and therefore no material jet enters chamber 8) is between 120° and 140°, and the threshold for θ at which point 20 travels faster than the exhaust gas impact is between 140° and 150°. Since φ = θ - 90°, if the threshold is considered as the value of φ (i.e., in terms of the angle formed with the radial direction), the threshold for φ at which point 20 travels faster than the material jet (and therefore no material jet enters chamber 8) is between 30° and 50°, and the threshold for φ at which point 20 travels faster than the exhaust gas impact is between 50° and 60°.

[0109] In this embodiment, the connector 10 is formed by a plurality of helical portions 10i, 10j alternating between first and second chirality, rather than by a single continuous helix. This helps ensure that the first portion 4 and the second portion 6 can be placed together to form the component 2. For example, in Figure 6 In this configuration, alternating spiral portions 10i and 10j form an open surface between the first portion 4 and the second portion 6. This allows, for example, the first portion 4 to be placed on top of the second portion 6 to form component 2. This would not be possible if the connector 10 were formed by a continuous spiral and the angle θ were above a threshold for the gas impact used for material ejection and / or discharge.

[0110] Furthermore, the corner 10k helps reduce fuel impact during material injection and / or discharge. If a jet of low-density material and / or discharged fuel reaches the corner 10k, the jet is forced to change direction, which introduces turbulence and slows down the material and / or fuel. This occurs each time the material and / or fuel reaches one of the multiple corners 10k. Therefore, the corner 10k is configured to slow down the material and / or fuel so that the shock wave front arrives at chamber 8 before the material and / or the impacted fuel.

[0111] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 A magnified view of a portion. It can be seen here that the multiple spirals 10i, 10j form an angle with the radius 14 of component 2. Multiple helices 10i, 10j, each possessing both first chirality 10i and second chirality 10j, form the same angle with the radius 14 of component 2. In some embodiments, the angle It can be higher than the threshold for gas impact used for material injection and / or discharge. This can help prevent the material jet and / or discharged gas from reaching the fuel in chamber 8 before the shock wave.

[0112] Figure 9An exploded perspective view of component 2, formed by a first portion 4 and a second portion 6, is shown, with a joint 10 between the first portion 4 and the second portion 6, and the joint 10 includes a step. In this embodiment, when viewed in a cross-section taken in a plane parallel to the axis 12 of component 2, the joint 10 includes a first radial portion 10a, a vertical portion 10b, and a second radial portion 10c. The radial portions 10a and 10c are also substantially perpendicular to the vertical portion 10b. In the illustrated embodiment, the vertical portion 10b and the second radial portion 10c are formed by an annular protrusion on the adjacent surface 22 of the second portion 6 and a complementary recess on the adjacent surface of the first portion 4.

[0113] The filling conduit 24 of component 2 is a labyrinthine filling conduit and therefore includes multiple radial portions 26, circumferential portions 28, and corners 30. Further, the filling conduit 24 is formed as a groove in the adjacent surface 22 of the second portion 6. Due to the vertical portion 10b of the connector 10, the filling conduit 24 includes a vertical portion 32. This vertical portion 32 functions in the same manner as the circumferential portion 28, as it is parallel to the shock wave front.

[0114] Figure 10 An exploded perspective view of component 2 is shown. Figure 9 A variant of component 2. Figure 10 Component 2 includes a spiral-filled tubing 34 instead of a labyrinth-filled tubing. Figure 10 Component 2 in other aspects Figure 9 Component 2 is the same, therefore regarding Figure 9 The given descriptions of joints and adjacent surfaces also apply. Figure 10 .

[0115] Component 2 can be manufactured in any suitable and desired manner. In some embodiments, component 2 can be formed on a removable mandrel. For example, the mandrel can be dissolvable or collapseable to allow removal of the mandrel from the component after component 2 has been formed. In some embodiments, component 2 can be formed in a mold. For example, component 2 can be formed from metal cast in a mold.

[0116] Component 2 may be formed as a single piece or as two or more separate parts 4, 6. If component 2 is formed as a single piece, it can be later separated into two or more parts 4, 6 (e.g., using a machine or laser cutting). Even if component 2 is formed as two or more parts 4, 6, at least one surface of the component can be cut (e.g., using a machine or laser). This can help ensure that the two or more parts 4, 6 of component 2 mate together to form a joint 10 of the desired size. In some embodiments, the width of the joint 10 can be around a few micrometers. Therefore, the surfaces of the two or more parts 4, 6 of component 2 need to be precisely formed or cut to form a joint 10 of the desired size.

[0117] Two or more portions 4, 6 may be placed together in any suitable and desired manner to form component 2. In some embodiments, the first portion 4 of component 2 is lowered onto the second portion 6 of component 2. To facilitate this, the first portion 4 and the second portion 6 of component 2 are configured to move relative to each other in at least one direction. In some embodiments, this at least one direction is a vertical direction (i.e., a direction parallel to the central axis 12 of component 2).

[0118] The shape of the connector 10 is configured such that two or more portions 4, 6 of the component 2 can be placed together along at least one direction. In some embodiments, the first portion 4 and the second portion 6 of the component 2 are configured to move relative to each other in at least one direction, while the top surface of the second portion 6 and the bottom surface of the first portion 6 do not contact each other. This helps to ensure that the first portion 4 and the second portion 6 can be placed together to form the component 2.

Claims

1. A component for containing fluid fuel, the fluid fuel being subjected to a shock wave incident on the component, the component comprising: Part One: and Part Two; The first portion and the second portion define a chamber configured to contain the fluid fuel; The first part and the second part are connected at the joint; and At least a portion of the joint follows a non-linear path.

2. The component as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The connector is configured to allow the fluid fuel to be supplied to the chamber.

3. The component as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The component is rotationally symmetrical about its central axis.

4. The component as claimed in claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein, At least a portion of the joint follows a helical path.

5. The component as claimed in claim 4, wherein, At least a portion of the joint follows an Archimedean spiral path.

6. The component as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The portion of the joint that follows an Archimedean spiral path forms an angle φ with the radial direction of the component at any point on the portion.

7. The component as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The connector is configured such that φ is greater than a first threshold.

8. The component as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The first threshold is in the range of 30° to 50°.

9. The component as claimed in claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein, The connector is configured such that φ is greater than a second threshold.

10. The component as claimed in claim 6, 7, or 8, wherein, The connector is configured such that φ is less than a second threshold.

11. The component as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein, The second threshold is in the range of 50° to 60°.

12. The component as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The joint follows a path that includes one or more corners.

13. The component as claimed in claim 12, wherein, One or more of the corners are approximately 90°.

14. The component as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, At least a portion of the connector follows a path parallel to the central axis of the component.

15. The component as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The connector is configured to change the direction of the fluid fuel as it travels through the connector.

16. The component as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The first part and the second part are configured to be able to move relative to each other in at least one direction.

17. The component as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The connector has a thickness of less than 10 micrometers, preferably less than 5 micrometers.

18. A system comprising: The component as described in any of the preceding claims; as well as The device is configured to generate a shock wave incident on the component.

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