Magnetically-Guided Liquid Metal First Wall (MAGLIMFW) with a Built-in Automatic Disruption Mitigation System

Abstract

An innovative approach is proposed for the protection of plasma-facing surface of blankets (solid first wall), which will also serve as an automatic disruption mitigation system. In a strong magnetic field, liquid metal is frozen in the magnetic field. This property enables liquid metal to flow along the field line. In a divertor configuration with a lower single-null, a second separatrix exists above the plasma. Toroidally-continuous liquid metal sheets, poured through a toroidal slot located radially outside the 2nd separatrix flux surface, move along the field line, absorbing heat and particles, reach the divertor at a glancing angle. At the current quench in a disruption, a toroidal current is induced automatically in the liquid metal surrounding the core plasma. The resultant j × B force pushes the liquid metal toward the core plasma, significantly mitigating the heat load and force on the first wall and the divertor. Use of magnetically-guided liquid metal FW would also eliminate the need of fine shaping and toroidal alignment of the first wall.