Frontiers in Fusion Research II Introduction to Modern Tokamak Physics [Paperback]

This book reviews recent progress in our understanding of tokamak physics related to steady state operation, and addresses the scientific feasibility of a steady state tokamak fusion power system. It covers the physical principles behind continuous tokamak operation and details the challenges remaining and new lines of research towards the realization of such a system. Following a short introduction to tokamak physics and the fundamentals of steady state operation, later chapters cover parallel and perpendicular transport in tokamaks, MHD instabilities in advanced tokamak regimes, control issues, and SOL and divertor plasmas. A final chapter reviews key enabling technologies for steady state reactors, including negative ion source and NBI systems, Gyrotron and ECRF systems, superconductor and magnet systems, and structural materials for reactors.

The tokamak has demonstrated an excellent plasma confinement capability with its symmetry, but has an intrinsic drawback with its pulsed operation with inductive operation. Efforts have been made over the last 20 years to realize steady state operation, most promisingly utilizing bootstrap current.

Frontiers in Fusion Research II: Introduction to Modern Tokamak Physics will be of interest to graduate students and researchers involved in all aspects of tokamak science and technology.

Introduction to Tokamak Physics.- Steady State Tokamak Reactor.- Steady State Operation of Tokamaks.- Steady State Tokamak Reactor.- Major Features of SSTR.- Reactor Power Balance.- Tokamak Equilibrium.- Topology of Magnetic Confinement.- Symplectic form of the Magnetic Field.- Flux Coordinates.- Equilibrium in Tokamak.- Advanced Tokamak Regimes.- Advanced Tokamak Research.- Weak Shear Regime.- Negative Shear Regime.- Current Hole Regime.- Parallel Transport in Tokamaks.- Moment Equations.- Ohms Law in Tokamak.- Plasma Rotation in Tokamak.- Perpendicular Transport in Tokamaks.- Plasl#