confinement time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "confinement time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to imprisonment, isolation, or restrictions on movement. Example: "The confinement time for the inmates was set to six months, during which they would undergo rehabilitation programs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The energy confinement time is simply the time it takes the fusing plasma to expand.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Cowley says a successful fusion plant will have a confinement time of around three seconds.

The Guardian

This is the typical solution to the problem of confinement time.

The Guardian

But the maximum confinement time they could achieve was around 1 millisecond.

The Guardian

As such, the confinement time, or minimum burn time, can be as short as 20 × 10−12 second.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The energy confinement time must then be at least one second i.e., the energy in the plasma must be replaced every second.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The record for the longest confinement time is around one second, held by the Joint European Torus (Jet) reactor at Culham.

The Guardian

An equation relates the product of density and energy confinement time, denoted nτ, to a function that depends only on the plasma temperature and the type of fusion reaction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In order to achieve this balance, the product of the plasma's density and its energy confinement time (the time it takes the plasma to lose its energy if unreplaced) must exceed a critical value.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

In order to increase the performance of the ECRIS is necessary to increase the confinement time of the ions and the plasma density.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms

For example, at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California, a product of density and energy-confinement time of 5 × 1014 seconds per cubic centimetre has been achieved employing the world's largest and most powerful laser, the Nova laser.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing nuclear fusion, use "confinement time" to refer specifically to how long plasma energy is retained, as this term is standard in the field.

Common error

Avoid using "containment time" interchangeably with "confinement time". While both relate to restriction, "confinement time" often refers to the duration of energy retention in plasma physics, whereas "containment time" generally applies to physical enclosure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "confinement time" functions primarily as a noun phrase that denotes a specific duration. It is most commonly used to describe the length of time that something is confined, contained, or retained. Ludwig AI confirms its proper and frequent usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

News & Media

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "confinement time" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase, particularly in scientific and technical domains. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to specify the duration of confinement or containment. Usage spans from formal scientific discourse to neutral reporting, requiring careful attention to context. Key related concepts include duration of confinement, period of containment, and retention time. It's important not to confuse "confinement time" with "containment time". To enhance clarity in writing, consider specifying the type of confinement (e.g., energy "confinement time" in plasma physics).

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

duration of confinement

Specifies the length of the confinement period.

period of containment

Emphasizes the interval during which something is contained.

retention time

Focuses on the duration something is kept or retained.

exposure duration

Highlights the length of time something is exposed to a condition or environment.

detention period

Refers to the length of time someone is held in detention.

incarceration length

Specifically relates to the duration of imprisonment.

containment duration

Highlights the length of an effect of being contained.

residence time

Indicates how long a particle or substance stays in a particular location.

period of isolation

Focuses on the time spent in isolation.

holding time

General term for the amount of time something is held or maintained in a specific state.

FAQs

How is "confinement time" measured in fusion reactors?

In fusion reactors, "confinement time" is measured as the time it takes for the plasma to lose its energy. It's a key metric for evaluating reactor performance and efficiency.

What is a good "confinement time" for a fusion reactor?

A successful fusion plant typically requires a "confinement time" of around three seconds. The current record is approximately one second, achieved by the Joint European Torus (Jet) reactor.

How does plasma density relate to "confinement time" in fusion?

In fusion research, the product of plasma density and "confinement time" is crucial. Higher density can compensate for shorter "confinement time", and vice versa, to achieve sustained fusion reactions. The Lawson criterion defines the requirements for practical fusion reactors.

What factors affect the "confinement time" of electrons?

The "confinement time" of electrons is affected by collisions with background neutrals and by perturbations that cause plasma loss through expansion. Research aims to minimize these factors to improve "confinement time".