What do a sandwich and a nuclear fusion power plant have in common? Believe it or not, the answer is mayonnaise. In this video, we explore how scientists at Lehigh University are using mayonnaise to advance our understanding of inertial confinement nuclear fusion, a crucial step in the quest for a clean, safe, and virtually limitless source of energy. Nuclear fusion is the process that powers stars, including our Sun, and represents one of the most efficient forms of energy production known. However, replicating this process here on Earth has proven challenging due to the extreme conditions required for the fusion of atomic nuclei. One of the main obstacles is the Rayleigh-Taylor instability, a phenomenon that occurs when two substances of different densities interact under acceleration, causing chaotic mixing that decreases the efficiency of fusion. To study and mitigate this instability, the researchers turned to analogous experiments with mayonnaise. Surprisingly, mayonnaise has physical properties that allow it to simulate the pressure and density conditions present in the fuel pellets used in inertial confinement fusion reactors. By accelerating mayonnaise at speeds up to fifty times the acceleration of gravity, scientists are able to observe and analyze the behavior of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability in a controlled environment. In this video, we take a deep dive into the principles of nuclear fusion, from the structure of atoms and the role of nuclear forces to different confinement methods, such as tokamak and inertial confinement. We explain how fuel pellets are compressed by powerful lasers to achieve the conditions necessary for fusion, and how small imperfections in the process can lead to large losses in efficiency. Through the analogy of mayonnaise, we elucidate complex nuclear physics concepts in an accessible way, showing how scientific research often finds innovative solutions in unexpected places. Understanding and controlling the Rayleigh-Taylor instability is key to making nuclear fusion a viable reality, paving the way for a sustainable energy future. Join us on this fascinating scientific journey and discover how something as everyday as mayonnaise can play a crucial role in the development of nuclear fusion energy. Understand the challenges and promises of this technology that can revolutionize the way we produce and consume energy, contributing to the preservation of the environment and the advancement of humanity. _____________ Presentation and General Direction: Davi Calazans Editing: Rodrigo Fernandes and Laís Fernandes Script: Greg de Souza Script Editing: Ryan Vieira Language: Gabrel Andrade Art Direction: Leo de Oliveira _____________ This channel is part of Science Vlogs Brasil. _____________ Search for references for this video in the link on the channel. 523