Axisymmetric Magnetic Mirror Applications - Divertor Test Stand to Fusion Power Plant

• Published in: Fusion science and technology Vol. 61; no. 1T; pp. 70 - 76
• Main Authors: Molvik, A. W., Moir, R. W., Ryutov, D. D., Simonen, T. C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 01.01.2012
• ISSN: 1536-1055; 1943-7641
• DOI: 10.13182/FST12-A13399

Axisymmetric mirrors can be MHD-stabilized by end losses. Neutral-beam-sustained operation to β~0.6, and T e ~0.2 keV, with 5 ms 5 MW neutral beams on the Gas Dynamic Trap (GDT) has been demonstrated at the Budker Institute in Novosibirsk, Russia. Applications of this concept can reduce risks in the fusion program. A GDT-scale facility could test plasma-material interactions (PMI) at up to 400 MW/m 2 and 5 s pulse duration for divertor development. Extrapolation of the GDT to a Dynamic Trap Neutron Source, DTNS, provides a DT-fusion neutron flux of 2 MW/m 2 over 1 m 2 , at a power-plant efficiency of Q ~ 0.07. (A DTNS enables development and testing of materials and sub-component structures, for fusion power plants, MFE or IFE. A DTNS functions regardless of whether the tested components work. These developments would reduce risks for a tokamak Fusion Nuclear Science Facility (FNSF)). Further extrapolation to 0.2 ≤ Q ≤ 10 single-cell or tandem mirror yields several fusion-fission hybrid applications. Further extension to a pure-fusion axisymmetric-tandem-mirror power plant, requires Q>10. Tandem mirrors demand the use of different stabilization techniques that are not dependent on out-flowing plasma, a number of which have been proposed, and could be experimentally tested on the GDT.