Design of a translating Field Reversed Configuration for compression and Magnetized Target Fusion*
Author: Tom Intrator
Requested Type: Consider for Invited
Submitted: 2006-12-18 16:03:02
Co-authors: G.A. Wurden, W.J, Waganaar, R. Renneke, M. Kostora, L. Dorf, S.C. Hsu – LANL; A. Lynn, M. Gilmore - Univ New Mexico, Albuquerque; J. Degnan, C. Grabowski, E. Ruden – Air Force Research Laboratory – Kirtland AFB; R. Siemon, T. Awe – Univ Nevada, Re
Contact Info:
Los Alamos National Laboratory
P.O. Box 1663
Los Alamos, NM 87545
United States
Abstract Text:
We describe the design, progress and plans for a high density Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) at LANL that will translate in a mirror trapped compression region. A simpler version with fewer diagnostics is being constructed at Kirtland AFB which will be compressed inside a flux conserving cylindrical shell. The experimental goals at LANL include the increase of trapped bias flux during formation, increase of FRC lifetime which should scale with the trapped flux, and studies of a successfully translated FRC. These results are intended to enhance the MTF parallel experiment at AFRL.
The theta pinch formed FRC will be expelled from inside a conical theta coil. Even though the ideal FRC has zero helicity and toroidal magnetic field, significant non ideal properties follow from the non symmetric formation process. The FRC stability and lifetime properties may improve. Several experimental features will allow unique scientific investigations of this high Lundquist number but collisional plasma. A spread of theta coil conical half angles between 0.5 and 6 degrees is possible, which should allow the first ever systematic investigation of helicity in theta pinch FRC’s. Fast cusp coils are being added, to add flexibility during the formation sequence. The translation and “fake” liner region will include radial access for diagnostic insertable probes, so the internal FRC structure can be studied. In spite of the large energy density of the FRXL plasma, the probes are expected to survive. The translation speed is expected be > 10cm/usec, and the heat flux on any small probe will be limited by the short transit time across the probe dimension.
*supported by OFES and DOE contract DE-AC52-06NA25396
Characterization: C,E2
Comments:
please place contiguous with other posters about Magnetized Target Fusion, including at least 4 from LANL and 4 from AFRL.
