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Chapter 13 Exercise 2

Exhaust Pipe

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Challenge

Manage heat during fusion reactions through an improved exhaust pipe.

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Step 1

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Fusion reactors need to sustain extremely high temperatures. They rely on exhaust pipes to remove excess heat and particles, so the exhaust pipe has to survive high temperature and pressure. What about a standard metal pipe could you change so that it manages high temperature and pressure? Think of as many features of the pipe you could change as possible and whittle your list down to five. One example is below.

Ex. Length of pipe

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Step 2

Start with a standard metal pipe. For each of the five attributes you came up with, make one or more changes to the pipe to better deal with high temperature and pressure.

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Step 3

Not only does the pipe have to survive high temperature and pressure, it has to be long-lasting. Make two more changes to your pipe so that it doesn’t have to be replaced as often. Consider ways to minimize the wear and tear on each individual part of the pipe. Can you add backups if any part does fail?

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Step 4

Your pipe also has to exist in a reactor where engineers will work. How can you ensure that the pipe doesn’t pose a safety hazard? Propose a safety system to minimize the risk to engineers who work near the exhaust pipe.

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Step 5

Make a 2-3 minute presentation sharing your new exhaust pipe and the modifications you made to address temperature, pressure, service life and safety.