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

Diagnostics for Cts
as a result of low budgets for ct experiments, diagnostic capabilities have been limited and have
constrained advances in understanding. it is important to improve the diagnostic capabilities of
the larger FRc and spheromak experiments. The measurements should be nonperturbing. it is
also important that research budgets recognize the need to fund the researchers who build, operate
and interpret these diagnostics.
Theory and Modeling for Cts
analytical theory provides an important basis for understanding ct physics. in cases where nonlinear
effects and specific geometric considerations are important, numerical computation is required
to solve theoretical models. integrated computational simulations that model entire devices
can be used in two ways. First, they provide time-dependent three-dimensional data that
compensate practical limitations on laboratory diagnostics and help us understand the behavior
of existing experiments. second, they act as a predictive design tool where new ideas can be assessed
prior to hardware construction or modification. here, the objective is to lower the cost and
shorten the time required to achieve the goals of the ct program. The appropriate validated simulation
codes will need to integrate core plasma models with physical boundary effects, detailed
geometry, and heating and current drive sources.
reactor Considerations for Cts
existing detailed reactor studies for cts are more than two decades old and need updating using
present methodology to include advances both in physics understanding and technology. in contrast
to tokamak reactor studies (where the physics parameters are well known from decades of
intensive research on many machines of widely varying sizes), ct reactor studies are needed to
guide researchers regarding the physics parameters needed to make a viable reactor. it would be
very useful to consider impacts on the possible reactor designs associated with the lack of toroidal
magnets, high beta, and other features of the FRc and spheromak that are expected to improve
reliability and ease of maintenance. This will also provide an opportunity to examine the
possible use of advanced fuels in more detail than previous studies. This is especially important
for the FRc as its high beta allows fusion power production at a minimum synchrotron radiation,
making it a leading candidate for such fuels. Undertaking such studies with parameterized physics,
e.g., of confinement, would fill an important need for ct research.
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