Search NASA⌕ Search

Engineering topics

Chu, Y. Q.

Publications and source records attributed to Chu, Y. Q..

Internal measurements of electromagnetic geodesic acoustic mode (GAM) in EAST plasmas

Velocity, density, and magnetic fluctuations of the geodesic acoustic mode (GAM) have been measured using the Doppler backscattering system, Faraday-effect polarimeter-interferometer, and external pick-up coils in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak. Simultaneous measurements of density and velocity fluctuations at the midplane and top of plasmas demonstrate that m = 1 density fluctuations are quantitatively balanced by the compression of perpendicular flow fluctuations. Furthermore, internal magnetic fluctuations associated with GAM have now been directly measured by laser-based Faraday-effect polarimetry for the first time. Line-averaged magnetic fluctuations (up to 16 Gauss, B̃¯R,GAMBT∼0.066%) are significantly larger than those extrapolated from edge coils (a few Gauss) and that magnetic fluctuations increase with β. The observed discrepancy between finite β theory and experimental data indicates the need for further theoretical investigations.

Physics↗

Non-inductive plasma vertical position measurement for the 1056 s discharge on EAST

Vertical position stability plays a crucial role in maintaining safe and reliable plasma operation for long-pulse fusion devices. In general, the vertical position is measured by using inductive magnetic coils installed inside the vacuum vessel; however, the integration drift effects are inherent for steady-state or long-pulse plasma operation. Further, developing a non-magnetic approach provides a fusion reactor-relevant steady-state solution that avoids the negative impact of integration drift. In this paper, we compare the non-inductively determined vertical position achieved by line-integrated interferometer and polarimeter measurements to that employing an inductive flux loop for a 1056 s discharge recently achieved on EAST (Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak). Experimental results show that the non-inductive measurement is more robust than flux loops after 300 s if the integrator is not reset to suppress integrator drift. Real-time vertical position control using the non-inductive system is proposed for the next EAST experimental campaign.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗