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

The actions needed to address the st research requirements stated in this chapter are given in
Thrust 16, “developing the spherical torus to advance fusion nuclear science.” a schematic timeline
for this research is shown in Figure 4. specific requirements for the indicated “st Physics validation
at long Pulse and high Field” step shown in the figure will be determined by research and
design studies conducted in the coming years. a summary of the research requirements for all st
physics research areas is given in table 1. This research and design analysis addresses any remaining
issues that must be resolved to move the st toward the burning plasma regime in support of
fusion science research.
Lower n, r∗ Lower n, r , Sustained plasma
∗ , Sustained plasma
MAST MAST-U
NSTX NSTX-U
Low
Recycling
Core fueling, Low-n
LTX LTX-NBI
High I p Startup, Growth
Pegasus Peg-HIRF
Alternative
non-Solenoidal
Formation
ST Physics Validation
at Long-Pulse and
High-Field
TF, Magnet Develop
Integrated power supply
ITER era
201
Fusion Nuclear
Science
ST-CTF,
Hybrid
Figure 4. Timeline of ST Research leading to the ITER-era goal.