Thermodynamic properties status of deuterium and tritium

Abstract

Deuterium and tritium are seeing increased use in cryogenics as a fuel for nuclear fusion energy machines. The current Equation of State (EOS) for deuterium is based on work completed before the mid 1980's and tritium does not have an EOS available in the literature. In order to assess the need for new property correlations and experimental measurements, this paper presents a review and comparison of the available thermodynamic property measurements and models for deuterium and tritium. The comparisons extend a wide range of temperatures and pressures from the onset of solidification to the highest temperature and pressure measurements available. Based on the comparisons, recommendations for new experimental measurements and thermophysical property correlations are made. © 2012 American Institute of Physics.