TWELVE AXIOMS OF FUSION ENERGY R&D

Abstract

Fusion energy research and development (R&D) has been pursued formally for 70 years, with no successful outcome realistically in sight. From this discouraging history one can formulate a dozen axioms and their corollaries that characterize the nature of fusion energy R&D. These axioms embrace predicted vs actual performance of experimental devices, consumption of electric power and tritium, and the promotion of the R&D enterprise to the public. Explanations of these axioms show that the course of fusion energy R&D is as strongly influenced by behavioral science as by scientific and technological opportunities and obstacles. Only three of the axioms are due entirely to physical or technological constraints, while the vast majority are in large part reflections of human foolishness, fantasy and delusion. Recognition of these axioms can help alert funding agencies to probable waste of resources.