The extent to which science can be pushed and developed varies for everyone. This time, a student has managed to develop a small nuclear fusion reactor in a school setting. The 17-year-old student succeeded in creating plasma with the nuclear fusion reactor developed as part of an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Here are the details…
Nuclear Fusion Reactor Showcased at Cambridge Science Festival
The reactor developed by student Cesare Mencarini has been recorded as the only nuclear reactor built in a school environment. It was also showcased at the Cambridge Science Festival a few months ago, where it managed to produce plasma.
Mencarini, who found it challenging to convince his teachers about the project and faced reluctance from faculty members due to safety concerns, said, “The college was initially worried about the dangers of the project I used for my EPQ. However, we conducted thorough risk assessments, and the staff was very supportive.”
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Mencarini, hailing from Italy, discovered the potential of the reactor after studying mathematics, chemistry, and physics at Cardiff Sixth Form College, with insights gained from Imperial College, Bristol, and Bangor universities. It is also noted that this reactor helped him achieve an A* in his A-Level results.
Mencarini explained that the purpose of the reactor was to create the conditions necessary for fusion, using high voltage to heat atoms sufficiently. He also expressed a desire to work at the Interface and Analysis Centre at the University of Bristol in the field of engineering.
In June, Mencarini announced the achievement of plasma through the reactor on his account:
“Two days ago, I reached plasma, and it was amazing. I am very happy about this. The system works thanks to the Leybold Trivac E2 roughing pump, which allowed me to reach a minimum pressure of 8E-3 Torr. This turbomolecular pump is currently isolated with a VAT Gas Butterfly Valve. The setup is then connected to a 30kV rated High Voltage Supply via a 5kV Unilab power source, enabling fusion in my school (limited to 2mA output).”
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