Zero Energy Thermal Apparatus
From Object Wiki
| ZETA | |
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| Manufacturer | United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority |
| Production years | 1955 to 1957 |
| Production location | Harwell,Oxfordshire |
ZETA (the Zero Energy Thermal Apparatus) was an early attempt to build a nuclear fusion reactor, promising almost unlimited energy and no pollution. Although it didn’t live up to expectations, ZETA laid the foundations for nuclear fusion research projects continuing around the world today. It was built at Harwell, Oxfordshire, from 1955 to 1957.
[edit] How it works
A fusion reactor differs from a normal ‘fission’ reactor in that instead of splitting atoms to release energy it uses vast temperature and pressure to force the nuclei of atoms to fuse together. This releases more energy than fission and has the promise of being a safer alternative to fission reactors.
[edit] Memories
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Do you remember working with nuclear fusion? Add your memories. |
[edit] In the Science Museum
The Science Museum has a model of ZETA (Inv. No: 1999-1098), made for the Atoms for Peace exhibition in 1958. The museum acquired the model in 1999 from the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority Fusion department.
This object is currently on display in the Dan Dare & the Birth of Hi-Tech Britain exhibition at the Science Museum, London.