Skip to main content
Log in

Challenge End-Plugged FRC Concept

  • Original Research
  • Published:
Journal of Fusion Energy Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A fusion concept is proposed in which plug mirror cells are applied at the ends of a field-reversed configuration (FRC) to improve overall confinement by reducing the end-loss rate in the scrape-off layer. As such this combines a closed “toroidal” system with an open “mirror” system. Arguments are presented that the plug cells would produce a dramatic increase in confinement of the FRC itself, as well as being significantly better than a stand-alone mirror system. This approach is based on more-or-less existing technology and does not require pulsed, high-density operation.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. J.K. Wright, N.J. Phillips, J Nucl Energy, Part C: Plasma Phys. 1, 240 (1960)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. T.S. Green, Phys. Rev. Lett. 5, 297 (1960)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  3. A.G. Es’kov et al., Plasma physics and controlled nuclear fusion research, vol. II (International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, 1978), p. 187

    Google Scholar 

  4. FRC-end mirror combinations have been proposed elsewhere for other purposes: to act as a divertor [S.A. Cohen, et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 145002 (2007)]; and to reduce central-cell end flow in a tandem mirror propulsion system [T. Kammash and K. Flippo, in Space Technology and Applications International Forum-1999, American Institute of Physics, 1-56396-846-0/99, p. 1339]

  5. L.C. Steinhauer, T.P. Intrator, Phys. Plasmas 16, 072501 (2009)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  6. L.C. Steinhauer, A. Ishida, Phys. Fluids B 2, 2422 (1990)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  7. N. Iwasawa, A. Ishida, L.C. Steinhauer, Phys. Plasmas 7, 931 (2000)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  8. E.V. Belova, R.C. Davidson, H. Ji, M. Yamada, Phys. Plasmas 10, 2361 (2003)

    Article  MathSciNet  ADS  Google Scholar 

  9. L.C. Steinhauer, Phys. Fluids B 4, 4012 (1992)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  10. L.C. Steinhauer, D.C. Barnes, Phys. Plasmas 16, 092505 (2009)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  11. H.U. Fahrbach et al., Nucl. Fusion 21, 257 (1981)

    ADS  Google Scholar 

  12. A.L. Hoffman, J.T. Slough, Nucl. Fusion 33, 27 (1993)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  13. G.I. Dimov, V.V. Zakaidakov, M.E. Kishinevsky, Sov. J. Plasma Phys. 2, 326 (1976)

    Google Scholar 

  14. D.E. Baldwin, B.G. Logan, Phys. Rev. Lett. 43, 1318 (1979)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  15. T.D. Rognlien, T.A. Cutler, Nucl. Fusion 20, 1003 (1980)

    ADS  Google Scholar 

  16. V.V. Mirnov, D.D. Ryutov, Sov. Tech. Phys. Lett. 5, 279 (179)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to L. C. Steinhauer.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Steinhauer, L.C., Santarius, J.F. Challenge End-Plugged FRC Concept. J Fusion Energ 29, 577–579 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10894-010-9318-7

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10894-010-9318-7

Keywords

Navigation