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: 01.05.2011
• Subjects: Axisymmetric; Electric power generation; Electric power plants; Extrapolation; Gas dynamics; Nuclear fusion; Risk; Tandem mirrors
• ISSN: 1536-1055

Axisymmetric mirrors can be MHD-stabilized by end losses. Neutral-beam-sustained operation to beta ~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 less than or equal to Q less than or equal to 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.