Although much is known about certain aspects of the phenomena 

 (e.g., effects of magnetic field shape, plasma density, and impurities), 

 little is known about other facets such as the effects of rapid 

 temperature changes as brought about by nuclear reactions, or the 

 laws of scaling to large plasma volumes. Sophisticated experiments 

 will be required in order to transform laboratory demonstrations into 

 operational systems of energy production and conversion. 



Chemical and Physical Processes — The basic processes of fuel 

 preparation, combustion, and heat transfer are incompletely 

 understood. Additional research is required if the efficiencies of these 

 processes are to be increased. The results of such research would apply 

 to the energy production functions performed at central stations: the 

 chemical separation of impurities from fuel, such as sulfur from oil and 

 coal gases; combustion of the fuel; and the transfer of the generated 

 heat to the primary working fluid. The processes requiring study lie in 

 the various disciplinary fields of physics, chemistry, and engineering, 

 examples of which are separation chemistry, electrochemistry, fluid 

 dynamics, energy transformation processes, heat and mass transport, 

 atomic physics, nuclear properties and cross sections, 

 thermodynamics, and combustion. 



Biological Processes — The research required in this area centers 

 around (1) energy conversion by biological means (conversion of 

 cellulosic materials to fuels); (2) biological detoxification of effluents 

 from energy systems; and (3) the determination of biological effects of 

 toxic substances. Efforts in the first two of these can be expected to 

 add to the basic energy supply and increase the conversion and use 

 efficiency of various energy resources. Greater knowledge in the last 

 area is essential for preventing hazardous health conditions and 

 protecting the biosphere from toxic effluents of energy systems. 

 Possible applications of such research range from the bioconversion of 

 animal and plant wastes to usable fuels to the development of data for 

 establishing standards for toxic substances release rates. 



Physical Environment and Ecology — The physical environment, while 

 providing energy resources, sites for energy system operations, and a 

 repository for energy effluents, must be protected from assaults 

 against its own vitality. To achieve this end, research is needed on (1) 

 means for safely transporting and disposing of thermal and material 

 loads; (2) ecological systems; (3) spatial and temporal distribution of 

 trace substances; and (4) surficial faulting and rupture, seismology, 

 and rock and soil mechanics. The knowledge acquired from such 

 research can provide an informed basis for environmental control 

 guidelines, standards, and legislation concerning energy conversion 

 and use. 



Social Science Research— Both basic and applied research in the social 

 sciences are required, primarily in the disciplines of economics, social 



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