G21B - Definition

Definition statement

This subclass covers:

Reactors in which energy release is caused by the controlled fusion of atomic nuclei, namely:

• Thermonuclearfusion reactors.
• Low-temperature nuclear fusion reactors, e.g. alleged cold fusion reactors.

References relevant to classification in this subclass

This subclass does not cover:

Uncontrollable fusion reactions; applications thereof

G21J

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Controlled fission reactors	G21C
Generating plasma; Handling plasma	H05H 1/00

Glossary of terms

In this subclass, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:

Confinement	Controlled compression of fusion nuclei to overcome their electrostatic repulsion.
Fusion	Combination of two or more nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, a by-product of which is the release of energy.
Thermonuclear	Relating to fusion at high temperatures.