Levitation in LDX
Author: Darren T. Garnier
Requested Type: Poster Only
Submitted: 2006-12-18 17:23:10
Co-authors: A.C.Boxer, J.L.Ellsworth, I.Karim, J.Kesner, M.E. Mauel, P.C.Michael, A.Zhukovsky
Contact Info:
Columbia University
175 Albany St
Cambridge, MA 02139
USA
Abstract Text:
During the prior year, preparations have been made for the first flight of the Levitated Dipole Experiment (LDX). LDX, which consists of a 560 kg superconducting coil floating within a 5m diameter vacuum chamber, is designed to study fusion relevant plasmas confined in a dipole magnetic field. During the spring, a high temperature superconducting levitation coil was integrated into the LDX facility. Testing was undertaken to verify the thermal performance of the coil under expected levitation conditions. In addition, a digital control system was developed that will be used for the levitation control. In July, plasma experiments were conducted with all superconducting magnets in operation. While still supported, roughly 75% of the weight of the floating coil was magnetically lifted by the levitation coil above. A series of plasma experiments were conducted with the same magnetic geometry as will be the case during levitation. In the fall, the second generation launcher system was tested with full weight drop tests indicating accelerations near the 5g design point. The launcher, which retracts beyond the plasma's last closed field lines during operation, is designed to safely catch the floating coil following an unexpected loss of control. The launcher has been installed in the device and levitation experiments are planned for early 2007.
Characterization: A2,E1
Comments:
Place with other LDX posters. Ellsworth, Garnier, Boxer, Kesner
