Engineering topics

Wright, A. M.

Publications and source records attributed to Wright, A. M..

3 records

DOE OSTI2024

MHD-induced beta limits in the Large Helical Device

Using the extended-magnetohydrodynamics code, M3D-C1, we perform a systematic numerical study of the effect of externally applied heating on the achievable plasma beta in a ten field-period heliotron. Heat sources of varying intensity are applied to a vacuum magnetic field that is representative of the standard configuration of the Large Helical Device, with R 0 = 3.66 m, where R 0 is the radial position of the magnetic axis in vacuum. As the system is driven to a state that is unstable to low-n magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) modes, nonlinear mode interactions lead to the formation of chaotic magnetic fields. With sufficiently strong heating, a collapse of the electron temperature profile is observed. This demonstrates the necessity of simulating the self-consistent evolution of plasma profiles, without imposing assumptions on the structure of the magnetic field, to accurately determine transport properties in stellarator plasmas. It also highlights the value of these advanced simulation capabilities for accelerating the development of high-performance stellarator operating scenarios.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2024

The Compelling Need for a Mid-Scale Stellarator Facility

In the pursuit of the goal of commercial fusion as an abundant and safe source of energy, the stellarator is a leading concept with compelling attractiveness and demonstrated performance. In this white paper we, as a community of US researchers from Universities, National Laboratories, and Private Industry, involved in studying the stellarator concept, lay out the programmatic and technical motivation for a new mid-size stellarator research facility in the US. This contribution is complementary to several other whitepapers authored by members of our community which address different mid-scale stellarator aspects. A community based technical facility proposal has been prepared by F. Parra, et al: Flexible Stellarator Physics Facility. Two private stellarator companies have submitted proposals supporting the development of a mid-scale stellarator: Thea Energy (C.P.S. Swanson, et al.), Type One Energy (W. Guttenfelder, et al.).

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2024

The Compelling Need for a Mid-Scale Stellarator Facility

In the pursuit of the goal of commercial fusion as an abundant and safe source of energy, the stellarator is a leading concept with compelling attractiveness and demonstrated performance. A new mid-size stellarator is needed to retire risks and innovate towards a high performance, economically attractive, stellarator Fusion Pilot Plant. In this presentation we, as a community of US researchers from Universities, National Laboratories, and Private Industry, involved in studying the stellarator concept, lay out the programmatic and technical motivation for a new and modern mid-size stellarator research facility. A new mid-scale stellarator is needed to realize the potential predicted by a solid body of theory and simulation along with advances in computational tools for optimization and non-linear turbulence modeling. Notably, it is possible to combine the advantages of the stellarator (steady state, no current drive, no disruptions) with the good confinement regularly achieved in tokamaks. The top priorities for experimental work, and the motivation for a mid-scale stellarator experiment are: turbulence control, non-resonant divertor, MHD stability at large beta, confinement of fast particles, and coil simplification. A new mid-size quasi-symmetric stellarator, built as a user facility, would complement existing research at Wendelstein 7-X and LHD and strongly augment private industry. It would provide a program of innovative research, concept validation, theoretical advancement, and workforce development. Growing support and interest for stellarators by the fusion community and private industry affirms this rationale.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗