Theory of Fusion Plasmas

Theory of Fusion Plasmas
Author: Olivier Sauter
Publisher: American Institute of Physics
Total Pages: 400
Release: 2008-12-02
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9780735406001

The Joint Varenna-Lausanne International Workshop on Theory of Fusion Plasmas takes place every other year in a place particularly favorable for informal and in depth discussions. Invited and contributed papers present state-of-the art researches in theoretical plasma physics, covering all domains relevant to fusion plasmas. This workshop always allows a fruitful mix of experienced researchers and students, to allow for a better understanding of the key theoretical physics models and applications, such as: Theoretical issues related to burning plasmas; Anomalous Transport (Turbulence, Coherent Structures, Microinstabilities) RF Heating and Current Drive; Macroinstabilities; Plasma-Edge Physics and Divertors; Fast particles instabilities.

Safety Factor Profile Control in a Tokamak

Safety Factor Profile Control in a Tokamak
Author: Federico Bribiesca Argomedo
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 105
Release: 2013-11-08
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 3319019589

Control of the Safety Factor Profile in a Tokamak uses Lyapunov techniques to address a challenging problem for which even the simplest physically relevant models are represented by nonlinear, time-dependent, partial differential equations (PDEs). This is because of the spatiotemporal dynamics of transport phenomena (magnetic flux, heat, densities, etc.) in the anisotropic plasma medium. Robustness considerations are ubiquitous in the analysis and control design since direct measurements on the magnetic flux are impossible (its estimation relies on virtual sensors) and large uncertainties remain in the coupling between the plasma particles and the radio-frequency waves (distributed inputs). The Brief begins with a presentation of the reference dynamical model and continues by developing a Lyapunov function for the discretized system (in a polytopic linear-parameter-varying formulation). The limitations of this finite-dimensional approach motivate new developments in the infinite-dimensional framework. The text then tackles the construction of an input-to-state-stability Lyapunov function for the infinite-dimensional system that handles the medium anisotropy and provides a common basis for analytical robustness results. This function is used as a control-Lyapunov function and allows the amplitude and nonlinear shape constraints in the control action to be dealt with. Finally, the Brief addresses important application- and implementation-specific concerns. In particular, the coupling of the PDE and the finite-dimensional subsystem representing the evolution of the boundary condition (magnetic coils) and the introduction of profile-reconstruction delays in the control loop (induced by solving a 2-D inverse problem for computing the magnetic flux) is analyzed. Simulation results are presented for various operation scenarios on Tore Supra (simulated with METIS) and on TCV (simulated with RAPTOR). Control of the Safety Factor Profile in a Tokamak will be of interest to both academic and industrially-based researchers interested in nuclear energy and plasma-containment control systems, and graduate students in nuclear and control engineering.

Plasma Physics and Fusion Energy

Plasma Physics and Fusion Energy
Author: Jeffrey P. Freidberg
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 6
Release: 2008-07-10
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1139462156

There has been an increase in interest worldwide in fusion research over the last decade and a half due to the recognition that a large number of new, environmentally attractive, sustainable energy sources will be needed to meet ever increasing demand for electrical energy. Based on a series of course notes from graduate courses in plasma physics and fusion energy at MIT, the text begins with an overview of world energy needs, current methods of energy generation, and the potential role that fusion may play in the future. It covers energy issues such as the production of fusion power, power balance, the design of a simple fusion reactor and the basic plasma physics issues faced by the developers of fusion power. This book is suitable for graduate students and researchers working in applied physics and nuclear engineering. A large number of problems accumulated over two decades of teaching are included to aid understanding.