Tokamak two-fluid ignition conditions
This work focuses on modeling the properties needed by a plasma to reach ignition, where ignition is the condition in which fusion power is produced at the steady state without any external input power. We extend the classic work by Lawson giving the ptotsτE (product between density, temperature, and energy confinement time) needed for ignition [J. D. Lawson, Proc. Phys. Soc. London, Sect. B 70, 6 (1957)] by improving the original zero-dimensional, single fluid model. The effect of multi-fluid physics is included, by distinguishing ions, electrons, and a particles. The effects of one-dimensional density and temperature profiles are also considered. It is found that the multi-fluid model predicts a larger Lawson product required for ignition than the single-fluid one. A detailed analysis of the energy confinement times for each species and energy equilibration times between species shows that the electron energy confinement time is the parameter more strongly affecting the Lawson product needed for ignition. In conclusion, it is also found that peaked profiles (of either temperature or density) require a smaller Lawson product for ignition than flat profiles.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of Rochester, NY (United States); Auburn Univ., AL (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- Grant/Contract Number:
- FG02-93ER54215; Sc0014196
- OSTI ID:
- 1474301
- Alternate ID(s):
- OSTI ID: 1372122; OSTI ID: 1594953
- Journal Information:
- Physics of Plasmas, Vol. 24, Issue 8; ISSN 1070-664X
- Publisher:
- American Institute of Physics (AIP)Copyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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