Transport-driven Scrape-off Layer Flows and the X-point Dependence of the L-H Power Threshold in Alcator C-Mod

Transport-driven Scrape-off Layer Flows and the X-point Dependence of the L-H Power Threshold in Alcator C-Mod
Author: Brian LaBombard
Publisher:
Total Pages: 62
Release: 2004
Genre:
ISBN:

Factor of ~2 higher power thresholds for low- to high-confinement mode transitions (LH) with unfavorable x-point topologies in Alcator C-Mod [Phys. Plasmas 1, 1511 (1994)] are linked to flow boundary conditions imposed by the scrape-off layer (SOL). Ballooning-like transport drives flow along magnetic field lines from low- to high-field regions with toroidal direction dependent on upper/lower x-point balance; the toroidal rotation of the confined plasma responds, exhibiting a strong counter-current rotation when Bx B points away from the x-point. Increased auxiliary heating power (rf, no momentum input) leads to an L-H transition at approximately twice the edge electron pressure gradient when Bx B points away. As gradients rise prior to the transition, toroidal rotation ramps toward the co-current direction; the H-mode is seen when the counter-current rotation imposed by the SOL flow becomes compensated. Remarkably, L-H thresholds in lower-limited discharges are identical to lower x-point discharges; SOL flows are also found similar, suggesting a connection.

Driven Rotation, Self-Generated Flow, and Momentum Transport in Tokamak Plasmas

Driven Rotation, Self-Generated Flow, and Momentum Transport in Tokamak Plasmas
Author: John Rice
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 158
Release: 2022-01-13
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3030922669

This book provides a comprehensive look at the state of the art of externally driven and self-generated rotation as well as momentum transport in tokamak plasmas. In addition to recent developments, the book includes a review of rotation measurement techniques, measurements of directly and indirectly driven rotation, momentum sinks, self-generated flow, and momentum transport. These results are presented alongside summaries of prevailing theory and are compared to predictions, bringing together both experimental and theoretical perspectives for a broad look at the field. Both researchers and graduate students in the field of plasma physics will find this book to be a useful reference. Although there is an emphasis on tokamaks, a number of the concepts are also relevant to other configurations.

The Scrape-off-layer in Alcator C-Mod

The Scrape-off-layer in Alcator C-Mod
Author: James L. Terry
Publisher:
Total Pages: 68
Release: 2005
Genre:
ISBN:

(cont.) Evidence that this turbulent transport may play an important role in the core-plasma density limit is presented. Much lower levels of turbulence and no blobs are observed in the high-field-side scrape-off-layer. For single-null magnetic configurations, plasma in the inboard scrape-off-layer appears to be almost entirely a result of plasma flow along field lines from the low-field side. Strong parallel flows with sensitivity to magnetic topology are found, along with strong evidence for momentum coupling between these scrape-off-layer flows and core toroidal rotation

Edge Zonal Flows and Blob Propagation in Alcator C-Mod

Edge Zonal Flows and Blob Propagation in Alcator C-Mod
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages:
Release: 2011
Genre:
ISBN:

Here we describe recent measurements of the 2-D motion of turbulence in the edge and scrape-off layer (SOL) of the Alcator C-Mod tokamak. This data was taken using the outer midplane gas puff imaging (GPI) camera, which views a 6 cm radial by 6 cm poloidal region near the separatrix just below the outer midplane [1]. The data were taken in Ohmic or RF heated L-mode plasmas at 400,000 frames/sec for ≈50 msec/shot using a Phantom 710 camera in a 64 x 64 pixel format. The resulting 2-D vs. time movies [2] can resolve the structure and motion of the turbulence on a spatial scale covering 0.3-6 cm. The images were analyzed using either a 2-D cross-correlation code (Sec. 2) or a 2-D blob tracking code (Sec. 3).

The Plasma Boundary of Magnetic Fusion Devices

The Plasma Boundary of Magnetic Fusion Devices
Author: P.C Stangeby
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 738
Release: 2000-01-01
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9780750305594

The Plasma Boundary of Magnetic Fusion Devices introduces the physics of the plasma boundary region, including plasma-surface interactions, with an emphasis on those occurring in magnetically confined fusion plasmas. The book covers plasma-surface interaction, Debye sheaths, sputtering, scrape-off layers, plasma impurities, recycling and control, 1D and 2D fluid and kinetic modeling of particle transport, plasma properties at the edge, diverter and limiter physics, and control of the plasma boundary. Divided into three parts, the book begins with Part 1, an introduction to the plasma boundary. The derivations are heuristic and worked problems help crystallize physical intuition, which is emphasized throughout. Part 2 provides an introduction to methods of modeling the plasma edge region and for interpreting computer code results. Part 3 presents a collection of essays on currently active research hot topics. With an extensive bibliography and index, this book is an invaluable first port-of-call for researchers interested in plasma-surface interactions.

Magnetic Fusion Technology

Magnetic Fusion Technology
Author: Thomas J. Dolan
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 816
Release: 2014-02-10
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1447155564

Magnetic Fusion Technology describes the technologies that are required for successful development of nuclear fusion power plants using strong magnetic fields. These technologies include: • magnet systems, • plasma heating systems, • control systems, • energy conversion systems, • advanced materials development, • vacuum systems, • cryogenic systems, • plasma diagnostics, • safety systems, and • power plant design studies. Magnetic Fusion Technology will be useful to students and to specialists working in energy research.

Iter Physics

Iter Physics
Author: C Wendell Horton, Jr
Publisher: World Scientific
Total Pages: 248
Release: 2015-06-25
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9814678686

The promise of a vast and clean source of thermal power drove physics research for over fifty years and has finally come to collimation with the international consortium led by the European Union and Japan, with an agreement from seven countries to build a definitive test of fusion power in ITER. It happened because scientists since the Manhattan project have envisioned controlled nuclear fusion in obtaining energy with no carbon dioxide emissions and no toxic nuclear waste products.This large toroidal magnetic confinement ITER machine is described from confinement process to advanced physics of plasma-wall interactions, where pulses erupt from core plasma blistering the machine walls. Emissions from the walls reduce the core temperature which must remain ten times hotter than the 15 million degree core solar temperature to maintain ITER fusion power. The huge temperature gradient from core to wall that drives intense plasma turbulence is described in detail.Also explained are the methods designed to limit the growth of small magnetic islands, the growth of edge localized plasma plumes and the solid state physics limits of the stainless steel walls of the confinement vessel from the burning plasma. Designs of the wall coatings and the special 'exhaust pipe' for spent hot plasma are provided in two chapters. And the issues associated with high-energy neutrons — about 10 times higher than in fission reactions — and how they are managed in ITER, are detailed.

Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear Fusion
Author: Edward Morse
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 527
Release: 2018-10-15
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 3319981714

The pursuit of nuclear fusion as an energy source requires a broad knowledge of several disciplines. These include plasma physics, atomic physics, electromagnetics, materials science, computational modeling, superconducting magnet technology, accelerators, lasers, and health physics. Nuclear Fusion distills and combines these disparate subjects to create a concise and coherent foundation to both fusion science and technology. It examines all aspects of physics and technology underlying the major magnetic and inertial confinement approaches to developing nuclear fusion energy. It further chronicles latest developments in the field, and reflects the multi-faceted nature of fusion research, preparing advanced undergraduate and graduate students in physics and engineering to launch into successful and diverse fusion-related research. Nuclear Fusion reflects Dr. Morse’s research in both magnetic and inertial confinement fusion, working with the world’s top laboratories, and embodies his extensive thirty-five year career in teaching three courses in fusion plasma physics and fusion technology at University of California, Berkeley.