Prof. George Tynan

Norman C Rasmussen Adjunct Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering

Primary DLC

Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering

MIT Room: NW17

Areas of Interest and Expertise

Fusion and Plasmas
Materials in Extreme Environments
Modeling and Simulation
Experimental/Edge Plasma Physics
Plasma-Material Interactions
Magnetic Confinement Fusion
Fusion Energy Systems Modeling
Plasma Turbulence and transport

Research Summary

Basic and Applied Plasma Physics: Professor Tynan’s current research is focused on the plasma physics of controlled nuclear fusion as an energy source. He studies the fundamental physics of turbulent transport at the boundary of fusion plasmas and is particularly interested in how the plasma interacts with the walls and high-flux regimes of fusion devices. In addition, he is investigating how solid materials respond to and are degraded by exposure to simultaneous fusion plasma and energetic neutrons. He is also interested in the larger issue of transitioning to a sustainable energy economy based upon a mixture of efficient end use technologies, large scale deployment of renewable energy sources, and incorporation of a new generation of nuclear technologies such as advanced fission and fusion reactor systems.

Recent Work