TMX experimental results

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1981 · Energy Technol. Rev.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5224467

The Tandem Mirror Experiment (TMX) combines the best features of the solenoid and minimum-B magnetic field shapes for generating and containing plasmas. A straight solenoid section provides a reservoir of heated ions, and minimum-B magnets at either end serve as electrostatic barriers to prevent ion leakage. Solenoid plasma leakage controls microinstabilities in the minimum-B plugs, while the minimum-B plasma assures magnetohydrodynamic stability in the solenoid. The TMX device includes a vacuum system, which prevents gas molecules from cooling the plasma. Plasma guns at each end create an initial plasma, which is then sustained by neutral beams. Diagnostic equipment, measuring the plasma properties, reveals the extent to which the TMX can improve central-cell plasma electrostatic confinement and raise electron temperatures. Its success over previous magnetic-fusion-energy plasma-confinement schemes will help the design of future thermonuclear power reactors. Exploit diagrams of the TMX device and diagnostic equipment are provided.

• OSTI ID: 5224467
• Journal Information: Energy Technol. Rev.; (United States), Journal Name: Energy Technol. Rev.; (United States); ISSN ETERD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700104* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Plasma Kinetics-Experimental-- (-1987)
CONTROL
DATA
ELECTRIC COILS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
FLUID MECHANICS
HYDRODYNAMICS
INFORMATION
MAGNETIC FIELD CONFIGURATIONS
MAGNETIC MIRRORS
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
MECHANICS
NUMERICAL DATA
OPEN PLASMA DEVICES
PLASMA
PROBES
SOLENOIDS
THERMONUCLEAR DEVICES
THERMONUCLEAR REACTORS
TMX DEVICES