Research Needs for Magnetic Fusion Energy Sciences - US Burning ...

R&D Strategy
a number of critical technology areas have been identified to reduce the cost, increase the performance,
and improve the reliability of superconducting magnets for fusion applications. The specific
goals and criteria outlined here form the basis of an R&d program that should be supported through
a significant expansion of the present, very modest, enabling technologies magnet program. This will
require coordinated efforts by universities, national laboratories, and industry. a reasonable program
structure would include a distribution of efforts ranging from lab-scale R&d, prototype component
development, full-size magnet tests, and eventually incorporation into a next-step device. by this we
mean that any next-step fusion experiment constructed in the Us should strongly consider using the
best available superconducting magnet technology as a viable option for enhancing the mission of
the device.
connections between Research Requirements and ReNeW Research
thrusts
The many research requirements identified for this Theme will be addressed by the set of Research
Thrusts. in many cases, the various research activities from a given panel are included in multiple
thrusts. These are summarized in table 3, with the thrusts for each panel listed in approximate order
of their connection to the panel. detailed descriptions of each thrust are given in Part ii of this
Report.
Panel Research Thrust Comments
Measurement Thrust 1: develop measurement techniques to
understand and control burning plasmas.
Thrust 6: develop predictive models for fusion plasmas,
supported by theory and
challenged with experimental measurement.
Thrust 5: expand the limits for controlling and
sustaining fusion plasmas.
integration
of steadystate,highperformance
burning
plasmas
Validated
theory and
predictive
modeling
Thrust 8: Understand the highly integrated dynamics
of dominantly self-heated and self-sustained burning
plasmas.
Thrust 12: demonstrate an integrated solution for
plasma-material interfaces compatible with an optimized
core plasma.
Thrust 5: expand the limits for controlling and
sustaining fusion plasmas.
Thrust 6: develop predictive models for fusion plasmas,
supported by theory and
challenged with experimental measurement.
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Primary thrust for new and robust bP
diagnostics.
new measurements to validate
models.
measurements and analysis to enable
real-time control.
integration of high-gain, steady-state
burning plasma core.
integration of sustained core plasma
with high heat flux boundary.
develops needed control tools and
establishes performance limits.
Primary thrust, with application to
all ReneW Themes and many thrusts.
Thrust 9: Unfold the physics of boundary layer plasmas. Focused on scrape-off layer models
and solutions.
Thrust 3: Understand the role of alpha particles in
burning plasmas.
Focused on alpha physics, primarily
in iteR.