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[Phoenix Branson]

There is no possibility of a catastrophic accident in a fusion reactor resulting in major release of radioactivity to the environment, unlike modern fission reactors. The primary reason is that nuclear fusion requires precisely controlled temperature, pressure, and magnetic field parameters to generate net energy. If the reactor were damaged, these parameters would be disrupted and the heat generation in the reactor would rapidly cease.

The deuterium-tritium fusion reaction (DT fuel cycle) contained by some kind of magnetic confinement seems the most likely technological path for fusion reactors. And the primary coolant of choice is pure molten lithium metal. The reason being it has superior heat transfer characteristics, breeding potential and low activation level. However, if the hot lithium coolant was released by a breached core, it could generate a lithium fire and/or a violent chemical reaction (note the lithium fire cannot be extinguished with water).

MIT, Department of Nuclear Engineering
http://aries.ucsd.ed...llack-A.1-1.pdf

Idaho National Engineering & Environmental Laboratory Fusion Safety Program
http://www.inl.gov/t...nts/3318128.pdf

BattleMech Coolant Fire
Chance: 10 - 25%
Area Radius: 25 meters
Description: When a BattleMech is cored, it has a chance to generate a coolant fire. The heat level of all mechs in the surrounding area of the cored mech will suffer a heat level increase.

Edited by Maverick01, 29 January 2013 - 09:06 PM.