Analyzing the Instabilities of Tokamak Plasma

Abstract

Large-scale fusion reactions may be produced in the tokamak by magnetically confining the fusion fuel at a high enough density and temperature, or in the plasma state. However, turbulence causes high temperature plasma to reach the Scrape-Off Layer (SOL), the outermost layer of the tokamak with open magnetic field lines channeling particles and heat into a specific area of the vacuum vessel. A primary objective of the ITER project is to show a high gain of fusion power in a tokamak. Metallic plasma-facing components in ITER are selected because to their high heat load tolerance and minimal tritium retention. The operation of tokamaks with metallic components confronting the plasma, however, presents challenges for the management of high-Z impurities, as the build-up of heavy impurities, such tungsten (Z=74), in the plasma core results in large radiation losses and weakens the energy confinement. Tungsten (W) transport in ITER's core region (P < 0.3), is anticipated to be governed by turbulent and neoclassical processes, which are highly dependent on temperature, rotation patterns, and the primary ion density.

Keywords Tokamak, Plasma, ITER, Electricity