Results from the MAST spherical tokamak

Author

Sykes, A. ; Ahn, J.-W. ; Akers, R.J. ; Arends, E. ; Axon, K. ; Buttery, R.J. ; Byrom, C. ; Carolan, P.G. ; Ciric, D. ; Conway, N.J. ; Cox, M. ; Counsell, G.F. ; Cunningham, G. ; Darke, A.C. ; Dowling, J. ; Dunstan, M.R. ; Field, A.R. ; Fielding, S.J. ; Ge

Author_Institution

Culham Sci. Centre, EURATOM/UKAEA Fusion Assoc., Abingdon, UK

fYear

2002

fDate

2002

Firstpage

454

Lastpage

460

Abstract

The MAST (Mega-Amp Spherical Tokamak) experiment has been operational since Jan 2000. Results from MAST are important both in evaluating the potential of future ST fusion devices, and in developing understanding of processes relevant to conventional aspect ratio tokamaks. In this paper methods of initiating, ramping up, and sustaining the high plasma currents associated with ST fusion devices are discussed. New physics results, including the effectiveness of inboard gas puffing, the threshold power required for the L-H transition, and the ´natural´ divertor configuration are given. Plans for improvements during 2002 are outlined.

Keywords

Tokamak devices; fusion reactor divertors; fusion reactor theory; plasma toroidal confinement; L-H transition; MAST; Mega-Amp Spherical Tokamak; divertor; inboard gas puffing; plasma currents; ramping; threshold power; Educational institutions; Heating; Particle beams; Physics; Plasma applications; Plasma density; Plasma devices; Plasma diagnostics; Solenoids; Tokamaks;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Fusion Engineering, 2002. 19th Symposium on

Print_ISBN

0-7803-7073-2

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/FUSION.2002.1027734

Filename

1027734