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Fusion energy: Progress, partnerships, and the path to deployment
Over the past decade, fusion energy has moved decisively from scientific aspiration toward a credible pathway to a new energy technology. Thanks to long-term federal support, we have significantly advanced our fundamental understanding of plasma physics—the behavior of the superheated gases at the heart of fusion devices. This knowledge will enable the creation and control of fusion fuel under conditions required for future power plants. Our progress is exemplified by breakthroughs at the National Ignition Facility and the Joint European Torus.
Tsutomu Takahashi, Kazuyuki Yamada, Yasuyuki Nogi
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 27 | Number 3 | April 1995 | Pages 353-356
Compact Torus (Field-Reversed Configuration, Spheromak) Concepts | doi.org/10.13182/FST95-A11947104
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Equilibrium shape of a field-reversed-configuration plasma is controlled to maximize its poloidal flux. Plasma elongation is changed from 7.5 to 4.5 by adding a local field to the plasma due to the introduction of a control coil. The control field strength is about 10% of the confinement field. The plasma shape modifies while keeping its volume and the product of its poloidal flux and elongation constant. The poloidal flux is twice that of the uncontrolled plasma. Its flux confinement time also improved.