Burn efficiency in Inertial Confinement Fusion

[lia2]

TL;DR Summary

we have two different definitions for burn-up fraction related to inertial confinement fusion

the fraction of the target mass that burns

a fraction that is calculated on number densities

we have two different definitions for burn-up fraction related to inertial confinement fusion

the fraction of the target mass that burns

a fraction that is calculated on number densities

how are these two related in non-equimolar case?

 

[sbrothy]

I'm in way way over my head here but since noone else answered you I just want to point out that at least the word "equimolar" does occur in this paper:

Progress toward fusion energy breakeven and gain as measured against the Lawson criterion.

 

[Astronuc]

TL;DR Summary: we have two different definitions for burn-up fraction related to inertial confinement fusion

the fraction of the target mass that burns

a fraction that is calculated on number densities

how are these two related in non-equimolar case?

One would consider the stoichiometry of the mixture. The key reaction is D+T (d+t), other side reactions would be d+d or t+t, which both have lower cross-sections (probability of interaction by fusion). So, one would try to maintain stoichiometry with n_d = n_t, usually as a mixed gas, or as DT molecule, which would then dissociate when entering the hot plasma.