Optimization of a mega-ampere spherical tokamak for beta-limit and confinement studies
- and others
Recent favorable results on the START experiment have caused renewed interest in the potential of low aspect ratio tokamaks. To aid in designing a next-step spherical tokamak to study confinement scaling, high beta, and high normalized beta plasmas for minimal cost, the authors have developed a transport scaling and device optimization code. This code STOP, benchmarked against START, includes 10 empirical confinement scaling laws and essential tokamak physics such as stability limits. Parameters are optimized separately for each scaling law and physical goal. Using STOP the authors find for R/a = 1.2 to 2.0 one can achieve {beta}{sub N} = 5, ({beta}) = 31--44%, and easily study predicted confinement degradation with auxiliary heating with just two neutral beams (P{sub NB} < 3.5 MW) for I{sub p} {ge} 0.75 MA, and R{sub 0} {ge} 0.6 m. In contrast, if one insists on using the nominal device parameters, i.e. I{sub p} = 1 MA and R{sub 0} = 0.8 m, with each scaling law, achieving {beta}{sub N} = 5 requires typically P{sub NB} {approx} 7.5 MW. They also conclude that while running D{sup 0} {yields} D{sup +} increases {tau}{sub E} {approx} 25%, with {tau}{sub E} already uncertain by 2--3{times}, one incurs restricted machine access and compromised physics operation.
- Research Organization:
- Texas Univ., Austin, TX (United States). Fusion Research Center
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Energy Research, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- FG03-94ER54241
- OSTI ID:
- 468585
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/ER/54241-145; FRCR-464; ON: DE97005263; TRN: 97:010124
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 1 Oct 1994
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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