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Progress , prospects, and opportunities in stellarator physics and 3D plasma confinement research

Author: David T Anderson
Requested Type: Consider for Invited
Submitted: 2013-02-14 16:50:52

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Contact Info:
University of Wisconsin-Madison
1415 Engineering Dr
Madison, Wisconsin   53706
USA

Abstract Text:
The stellarator predates the tokamak as a candidate confinement concept for fusion plasmas. Historically, the inherent 3D structure has complicated analysis and the design of experiments. The prospects of disruption-free, steady-state operation have perpetuated the pursuit of stellarators even in the face of increasingly high performance tokamak plasmas. Large devices are in operation in Japan (LHD) and nearly completed in Europe (W7-X). It has become clear that stellarators need to be optimized to address critical issues for advancement of the concept. Computational resources have developed to the point of being able to optimize the stellarator 3D fields and model plasma physics occurring in three dimensions. Three dimensional equilibrium reconstruction are now being applied to experimental analysis in stellarators. These techniques are also being applied to nominal 2D systems such as tokamaks, with ELM suppression coils, and to study quasi-single helicity states in RFP’s. The US maintains a presence in stellarator research through theoretical and computational activities, collaboration on the large international experiments, and through operation of two smaller experiments in the US (HSX at Wisconsin and CTH at Auburn). With the rapid increase in computational resources and applications, the growing interest in the stellarator concept, and the cross connections between historically 2D and 3D systems, there is a tremendous opportunity for involvement at many levels in advancing toroidal confinement understanding. This talk will discuss recent progress, needs within the program, and opportunities moving into the future.

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