The Problems of Containment in Fission and Fusion Reactors

Fission Reactor Containment Issues:

Decay heat: After the nuclear fission process is stopped, the decay heat from the fission products continues. This heat must be removed to prevent melting of the fuel rods.
Radiation protection: The containment must protect the environment from the high levels of radiation produced during the fission reaction.
Pressurized systems: Many fission reactors operate under high pressure to achieve the necessary temperatures for fission. This adds stress to the containment structure.
Waste storage: Spent fuel and other high-level radioactive wastes require secure, long-term containment. Deterioration of storage containers could lead to leakage and the spread of hazardous radioactive materials.

Fusion Reactor Containment Issues:

High temperatures: Fusion reactions occur at extremely high temperatures, comparable to those within the sun. This poses a significant challenge for containment.
Radiation shielding: Fusion reactions produce high-energy neutrons, requiring substantial shielding to protect workers and the surrounding environment. Tritium, a fuel for fusion reactors, is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen and must be safely contained.
Plasma containment: Fusion reactions involve the creation of a plasma, a high-energy state of matter. It’s difficult to maintain this plasma without it coming into contact and damaging the reactor walls.
Cooling system: Similar to fission reactors, fusion reactors also generate significant amounts of heat, which should be properly managed within the containment structure.
Tritium Breeding: Some fusion reactors are designed to breed tritium within the reactor. Containment systems must prevent tritium, a radioactive isotope, from escaping into the environment.