What gain means here
Gain shows simulated fusion output compared with simplified heating input. Real projects define gain at different boundaries, so always check what is being measured.
Working 3D simulation
Change reactor controls and watch the plasma respond
This is an educational model, not a reactor design tool. It helps learners see why fuel choice, temperature, density, and magnetic confinement must improve together.
Why stress rises
Higher temperature, density, and fields improve burn conditions but increase loads on magnets, first wall, blankets, and heat removal systems.
Why fuels differ
D-T is easier to burn but neutron-heavy. Advanced fuels reduce some activation questions while increasing plasma difficulty.
Experiments to try
Three five-minute exercises
Find the D-T sweet spot
Start from the student preset and raise temperature slowly. Watch where gain improvement flattens while stress keeps climbing — that tension is the core engineering tradeoff.
Switch fuels at fixed settings
Keep every slider fixed and change only the fuel cycle. The gain drop from D-T to p-B11 shows why aneutronic fuels demand such extreme plasma conditions.
Trade field for density
Lower the magnetic field, then try to recover gain with density alone. Notice how the stress indicator responds — confinement quality is not free.
The simulator is a directional teaching model. It is deliberately simplified and must not be used for reactor design, safety analysis, or investment decisions.