Analytical models for the enhancement of fusion reactivity by turbulence

The reactivity of fusion plasma depends not only on its local density and temperature but also, through a recently identified kinetic effect, on the relative velocities of nearby fluid elements. Turbulence on fine spatial scales therefore enhances fusion reactivity. The enhancement is quantified here for general subsonic turbulent flows. Leveraging this effect in the design of inertial confinement fusion (ICF) experiments could enable substantial energy savings.