Rethermalization of a field-reversed configuration plasma in translation experiments

Himura, Haruhiko; Okada, S.; Sugimoto, Satoshi; Gotô, Seiichi

doi:10.1063/1.871090

Cited by 61 publications

(34 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…The conversion of translational to thermal energy upon deceleration and compression of the FRC process is routinely observed in FRC translation experiments, where the FRC is translated out of the source, and brought to rest in an external magnetic mirror. As the FRC is rapidly decelerated, the ion thermal energy increases in the same amount as the translational energy is decreased [9].…”

Section: Acceleratormentioning

confidence: 98%

The Pulsed High Density Experiment: Concept, Design, and Initial Results

et al. 2006

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An experimental program has been initiated that will explore the very compact, high energy density regime of fusion based on the magneto-kinetic compression of the FRC. Of all fusion reactor embodiments, only the FRC has the simply-connected closed field, linear confinement geometry, and intrinsic high b required for magnetic fusion at high energy density. PHD takes advantage of the linear confining geometry by incorporating a traveling, burning plasmoid, significantly reducing the wall loading as well as keeping the formation well separated from the burn chamber. Being small, compact, and at high b greatly improves the exposed surface to reacting volume ratio. Being pulsed eliminates the need for flux sustainment, and provides for regulation of the average wall loading. A wide range of reactor scenarios are compatible with PHD including liquid metal walls with the prospect of direct energy conversion through cyclical wall compression/expansion.

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Section: Acceleratormentioning

confidence: 98%

The Pulsed High Density Experiment: Concept, Design, and Initial Results

et al. 2006

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“…Interestingly, in most of these experiments, plasma temperature increases rapidly during the translation. [4][5][6] This phenomenon is called rethermalization, and it has been clearly observed since the mid-1980s. However, no physical mechanism which can explain consistently all experimental results of rethermalization has been proposed until recently.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Observation of collisionless thermalization of a plasmoid with a field-reversed configuration in a magnetic mirror

Himura¹,

Ueoka²,

Hase³

et al. 1998

Physics of Plasmas

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A systematic translation study of field-reversed configurations (FRCs) has been conducted on the FRC Injection Experiment (FIX) machine [Okada et al., in Fusion Energy 1996 (International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, 1997), Vol. 2, p. 229]. Plasma density and temperature of a translated FRC moving at supersonic speed are measured in the downstream magnetic mirror of FIX to verify a shock jump there when the FRC is reflected. A significant jump is observed. Moreover, the time evolution of the Carbon V Doppler profile is measured both quasi-parallel and perpendicular to the direction of FRC motion. Distinct transitions from Gaussian to non-Gaussian shapes are clearly seen in both profiles before and after the shock jump. Also, the ion mean-free path in the downstream magnetic mirror is calculated to be much longer than the characteristic width of the shock jump. These results indicate that the thermalization of flow energy in the translated FRC in the mirror is produced by a collisionless process, implying that this heating mechanism can be realized even in a reactor regime.

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“…These unique features have led to interest in the FRC as the core of a fusion power plant. 2 For instance, the absence of toroidal field coils allows the plasma to be translated 3,4 away from the formation region and into a burn region, so that these two chambers can have different designs. The high-␤ provides for a compact reactor core, and allows the prospect of using advanced fuels.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Inductive sustainment of oblate field-reversed configurations with the assistance of magnetic diffusion, shaping, and finite-Larmor radius stabilization

Gerhardt

Белова

et al. 2008

Physics of Plasmas

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Oblate field-reversed configurations (FRCs) have been sustained for >300μs, or >15 magnetic diffusion times, through the use of an inductive solenoid. These argon FRCs can have their poloidal flux sustained or increased, depending on the timing and strength of the induction. An inward pinch is observed during sustainment, leading to a peaking of the pressure profile and maintenance of the FRC equilibrium. The good stability observed in argon (and krypton) does not transfer to lighter gases, which develop terminal co-interchange instabilities. The stability in argon and krypton is attributed to a combination of external field shaping, magnetic diffusion, and finite-Larmor radius effects.

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Rethermalization of a field-reversed configuration plasma in translation experiments

Cited by 61 publications

References 16 publications

The Pulsed High Density Experiment: Concept, Design, and Initial Results

The Pulsed High Density Experiment: Concept, Design, and Initial Results

Observation of collisionless thermalization of a plasmoid with a field-reversed configuration in a magnetic mirror

Inductive sustainment of oblate field-reversed configurations with the assistance of magnetic diffusion, shaping, and finite-Larmor radius stabilization

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