Latest news with #LawsonMachine26
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
World-First Fusion Demonstration Machine Designed and Optimized Using COMSOL Multiphysics®
General Fusion uses multiphysics simulation to analyze the internal behavior of a fusion demonstration machine and predict its performance BURLINGTON, Mass., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- COMSOL, a global leader in modeling and simulation software, today announced that engineers at General Fusion have used the COMSOL Multiphysics® software to design and optimize a large-scale fusion demonstration machine called Lawson Machine 26 (LM26), which it has successfully begun operating. LM26 will be used to de-risk General Fusion's eventual commercial Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) machine, which works by compressing a magnetized plasma with a liquid metal liner to achieve the high temperatures and pressures needed for fusion. With MTF technology, General Fusion aims to bring fusion power to the commercial power grid by the early to mid 2030s. MTF power plants have the potential to produce significant amounts of energy with comparatively inexpensive technology and without releasing carbon emissions. General Fusion's partnership with Veryst Engineering, a COMSOL Certified Consultant specializing in highly nonlinear simulation and material modeling, was essential in the development of LM26. Sean Teller, a principal engineer at Veryst, worked alongside Jean-Sebastien Dick, an engineering analysis manager at General Fusion, to develop material models that enabled the team to accurately simulate the response of the machine's lithium liner. This information was critical for accurate predictive modeling of the LM26 liner trajectories, which enabled General Fusion to create and assemble LM26. As Teller explained, "We used COMSOL Multiphysics simulation with integrated experimental plans and validation to enable the team at General Fusion to quickly iterate on designs of LM26. The predictive models are critical for achieving fusion conditions on the road to viable and abundant clean fusion power."The LM26 geometry. Different LM26 designs were able to be analyzed simultaneously in the COMSOL® software. During the validation campaign of the models, 40 lithium liners were compressed electromagnetically. The team conducted physical experiments using a small-scale prototype of the compression system. Modeling and simulation enabled General Fusion to adjust the impedance of the power supply, see how design alterations would impact the performance, and maximize the compression fully assembled LM26. "The framework of COMSOL has allowed us to incrementally build in complexity, build confidence in our design intentions, and avoid having to reiterate the design phases," Dick said. "We have not had to change any major parts of these experiments. They were always behaving as intended." General Fusion achieved a major milestone with LM26 in April, successfully compressing a large-scale magnetized plasma with lithium. The full, integrated system and diagnostics operated as designed, and early review of data indicates positive results. The development of LM26 is discussed in further detail in the COMSOL User Story Gallery: About COMSOL COMSOL is a global provider of simulation software for product design and research to technical enterprises, research labs, and universities. Its COMSOL Multiphysics® product is an integrated software environment for creating physics-based models and simulation apps. A particular strength is its ability to account for coupled or multiphysics phenomena. Add-on products expand the simulation platform for electromagnetics, structural, acoustics, fluid flow, heat transfer, and chemical applications. Interfacing tools enable the integration of COMSOL Multiphysics simulations with all major technical computing and CAD tools on the CAE market. Simulation experts rely on COMSOL Compiler™ and COMSOL Server™ to distribute apps to their design teams, manufacturing departments, test laboratories, and customers throughout the world. Founded in 1986, COMSOL has 16 offices worldwide and extends its reach with a network of distributors. COMSOL, COMSOL Multiphysics, COMSOL Compiler, and COMSOL Server are either registered trademarks or trademarks of COMSOL AB. Contact:Mike Nourie(781) Photos accompanying this announcement are available at in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Globe and Mail
02-04-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
General Fusion announces former Blue Origin CEO Bob Smith as new strategic advisor
RICHMOND, British Columbia, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bob Smith is joining General Fusion as a strategic advisor. Smith brings more than 35 years of experience developing, scaling, and launching world-changing technologies, including spearheading new products and innovation in the aerospace industry at United Space Alliance, Sandia Labs, and Honeywell before serving as CEO of Blue Origin. He joins General Fusion as the company's Lawson Machine 26 (LM26) fusion demonstration begins operations and progresses toward transformative technical milestones on the path to commercialization. 'I've been watching the fusion energy industry closely for my entire career. Fusion is the last energy source humanity will ever need, and I believe its impact as a zero-carbon energy source will transform the global energy supply at the time needed to fight the worst consequences of climate change,' said Smith. 'I am thrilled to work with General Fusion. Their novel approach has inherent and distinctive benefits for the generation of commercially competitive fusion power. It's exciting to join at a time when the team is about to demonstrate the fundamental physics behind their system and move to scaling up to a pilot plant.' The LM26 program marks a significant step towards commercialization, as the company's unique Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) approach makes the path to powering the grid with fusion energy more straightforward than other technologies—because it practically addresses barriers to fusion commercialization, such as neutron material degradation, sustainable fuel production, and efficient energy extraction. As a strategic advisor, Smith will leverage his experience advancing game-changing technologies to help guide General Fusion's technology development and strategic growth. 'Bob's insights and experience will be invaluable as we execute the LM26 program and look beyond it to propel our practical technology to powering the grid by the mid-2030s,' said Greg Twinney, CEO, General Fusion. 'We are grateful for his commitment of his in-demand time and expertise to our mission and look forward to working together to make fusion power a reality!' About Bob Smith: Bob is an experienced business leader in the aerospace and defense industry with extensive technical and operational expertise across the sector. He worked at and managed federal labs, led developments at a large government contractor, grew businesses at a Fortune 100 multinational, and scaled up a launch and space systems startup. Bob also has extensive international experience and has worked with suppliers and OEMs in all the major aerospace regions, including establishing new sites and factories in Europe, India, China, and Puerto Rico. Bob's prior leadership roles include Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Origin, President of Mechanical Systems & Components at Honeywell Aerospace, Chief Technology Officer at Honeywell Aerospace, Chairman of NTESS (Sandia Labs), and Executive Director of Space Shuttle Upgrades at United Space Alliance. Bob holds a Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering from Texas A&M, a Master of Science degree in engineering/applied mathematics from Brown University, a doctorate from the University of Texas in aerospace engineering, and a business degree from MIT's Sloan School of Management. Bob is also a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, a Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and an Academician in the International Academy of Astronautics. Quick Facts: Fusion energy is the ultimate clean energy solution—it is the energy source that powers the sun and stars. Fusion is the process by which two light nuclei merge to form a heavier one, producing a massive amount of energy. General Fusion's Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) technology is designed to scale for cost-efficient power plants. It uses mechanical compression to create fusion conditions in short pulses, eliminating the need for expensive lasers or superconducting magnets. An MTF power plant is designed to produce its own fuel and inherently includes a method to extract the energy and put it to work. Lawson Machine 26 (LM26) is a world-first Magnetized Target Fusion demonstration. Launched, designed, and assembled in just 16 months, the machine is now forming magnetized plasmas regularly at 50 per cent commercial scale. It is advancing towards a series of results that will demonstrate MTF in a commercially relevant way: 10 million degrees Celsius (1 keV), 100 million degrees Celsius (10 keV), and scientific breakeven equivalent (100% Lawson). About General Fusion General Fusion is pursuing a fast and practical approach to commercial fusion energy and is headquartered in Richmond, Canada. The company was established in 2002 and is funded by a global syndicate of leading energy venture capital firms, industry leaders, and technology pioneers. Learn more at
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
General Fusion announces former Blue Origin CEO Bob Smith as new strategic advisor
RICHMOND, British Columbia, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bob Smith is joining General Fusion as a strategic advisor. Smith brings more than 35 years of experience developing, scaling, and launching world-changing technologies, including spearheading new products and innovation in the aerospace industry at United Space Alliance, Sandia Labs, and Honeywell before serving as CEO of Blue Origin. He joins General Fusion as the company's Lawson Machine 26 (LM26) fusion demonstration begins operations and progresses toward transformative technical milestones on the path to commercialization. 'I've been watching the fusion energy industry closely for my entire career. Fusion is the last energy source humanity will ever need, and I believe its impact as a zero-carbon energy source will transform the global energy supply at the time needed to fight the worst consequences of climate change,' said Smith. 'I am thrilled to work with General Fusion. Their novel approach has inherent and distinctive benefits for the generation of commercially competitive fusion power. It's exciting to join at a time when the team is about to demonstrate the fundamental physics behind their system and move to scaling up to a pilot plant.' The LM26 program marks a significant step towards commercialization, as the company's unique Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) approach makes the path to powering the grid with fusion energy more straightforward than other technologies—because it practically addresses barriers to fusion commercialization, such as neutron material degradation, sustainable fuel production, and efficient energy extraction. As a strategic advisor, Smith will leverage his experience advancing game-changing technologies to help guide General Fusion's technology development and strategic growth. 'Bob's insights and experience will be invaluable as we execute the LM26 program and look beyond it to propel our practical technology to powering the grid by the mid-2030s,' said Greg Twinney, CEO, General Fusion. 'We are grateful for his commitment of his in-demand time and expertise to our mission and look forward to working together to make fusion power a reality!' About Bob Smith: Bob is an experienced business leader in the aerospace and defense industry with extensive technical and operational expertise across the sector. He worked at and managed federal labs, led developments at a large government contractor, grew businesses at a Fortune 100 multinational, and scaled up a launch and space systems startup. Bob also has extensive international experience and has worked with suppliers and OEMs in all the major aerospace regions, including establishing new sites and factories in Europe, India, China, and Puerto Rico. Bob's prior leadership roles include Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Origin, President of Mechanical Systems & Components at Honeywell Aerospace, Chief Technology Officer at Honeywell Aerospace, Chairman of NTESS (Sandia Labs), and Executive Director of Space Shuttle Upgrades at United Space Alliance. Bob holds a Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering from Texas A&M, a Master of Science degree in engineering/applied mathematics from Brown University, a doctorate from the University of Texas in aerospace engineering, and a business degree from MIT's Sloan School of Management. Bob is also a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, a Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and an Academician in the International Academy of Astronautics. Quick Facts: Fusion energy is the ultimate clean energy solution—it is the energy source that powers the sun and stars. Fusion is the process by which two light nuclei merge to form a heavier one, producing a massive amount of energy. General Fusion's Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) technology is designed to scale for cost-efficient power plants. It uses mechanical compression to create fusion conditions in short pulses, eliminating the need for expensive lasers or superconducting magnets. An MTF power plant is designed to produce its own fuel and inherently includes a method to extract the energy and put it to work. Lawson Machine 26 (LM26) is a world-first Magnetized Target Fusion demonstration. Launched, designed, and assembled in just 16 months, the machine is now forming magnetized plasmas regularly at 50 per cent commercial scale. It is advancing towards a series of results that will demonstrate MTF in a commercially relevant way: 10 million degrees Celsius (1 keV), 100 million degrees Celsius (10 keV), and scientific breakeven equivalent (100% Lawson). About General Fusion General Fusion is pursuing a fast and practical approach to commercial fusion energy and is headquartered in Richmond, Canada. The company was established in 2002 and is funded by a global syndicate of leading energy venture capital firms, industry leaders, and technology pioneers. Learn more at General Fusion Media Relations media@ +1-866-904-0995 Follow General Fusion A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in to access your portfolio
