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| Engineering Physics : Faculty : | |
| Gerald L. Kulcinski |
| Gerald L. Kulcinski Associate Dean for Research Grainger Professor of Nuclear Engineering Director, Fusion Technology Institute |
| 2620 Engineering Hall 1415 Engineering Drive Madison, WI 53706-1691 |
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Tel: 608/263-1601 Fax: 608/262-6400 E-mail: kulcinsk@engr.wisc.edu |
Professor Kulcinski's research involves developing fusion reactors as future sources of clean, safe and economical energy. His specific interests are in using advanced fuels such as D-3He to generate electricity. The D-3He fuel cycle has on the order of 1 percent of its energy in neutrons instead of the 80 percent typical of the DT cycle.
Other research includes designing and analyzing Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) reactors and materials problems associated with ICF and MCF (Magnetically Confined Fusion) reactors. The use of lasers on ion beams can present some unique advantages as well as problems to future power plants. Methods to investigate the problems are being devised.
Research into the mining of 3He on the moon is another area of interest for Kulcinski. The 3He is driven into the lunar surface by the solar winds and its value to a D-3He economy is $1-3 billion per tonne.
Kulcinski is the director of the UW-Madison Fusion Technology Institute. He also serves on advisory boards to U.S. National Laboratories and the Department of Energy.
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Copyright 2005 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System Date last modified: Wednesday, 13-Feb-2002 13:19:37 CST Content by: kulcinsk@engr.wisc.edu Thank you for visiting! |
