PHYS-731 / 4 credits

Teacher(s): Fasoli Ambrogio, Graves Jonathan, Loizu Cisquella Joaquim, Merle Antoine Pierre Emmanuel Alexis, Ricci Paolo

Language: English

Remark: Next time: Fall 2024


Frequency

Every 2 years

Summary

To provide an overview of the fundamentals of magnetic confinement (MC) of plasmas for fusion.The different MC configurations are presented, with a description of their operating regimes.The basic elements of particle & energy transport, of plasma-wall interaction & of burning plasma are introduced.

Content

The plasma heating techniques are addressed. The course aims at providing both an experimental and a theoretical approach to the subjects.


The course will consist of three parts:

  • an overview of the different magnetic confinement configurations (tokamaks, stellarator, RFPs, …) and of the operating regimes, with an introduction to the plasma-wall interaction and to the burning plasma physics;
  • introduction to particle and energy transport in magnetic confinement devices (classical, neoclassical, and turbulent transport);
  • basic principles of plasma heating and current drive, including heating due to fusion-generated alpha particles.

Learning Prerequisites

Required courses

The introductory plasma physics courses are a pre-requisite.

Resources

Bibliography

- P. Helander and D.J. Sigmar, "Collisional Transport in Magnetised Plasmas", Cambridge University Press, 2002

- P.C. Stangeby, "The Plasma Boundary of Magnetic Fusion Devices",  CRC Press, 2000

- J. P. (Hans) Goedbloed, "Advanced MHD", Cambridge University Press, 2010

- R. B. White, "The Theory of Toroidally Confined Plasmas",  Imperial College Press, 2006

- J. P. Freidberg, "Ideal MHD", Cambridge University Press, 2014

- J. Wesson, "Tokamaks", Oxford University Press, 1987

- J. P. Freidberg, "Plasma Physcs and Fusion Energy", Cambridge University Press, 2007

In the programs

  • Exam form: Oral (session free)
  • Subject examined: Magnetic confinement
  • Lecture: 28 Hour(s)
  • Exercises: 28 Hour(s)
  • Type: optional

Reference week

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