Features of Spherical Torus Plasmas of Ultra-Low Aspect Ratio and Large Elongation

摘要

High beta, good confinement and steady-state operation in compact configuration and at modest field have long been major goals of magnetic fusion energy research. Accomplishing these in a single device will permit cost-effective and attractive embodiments of future fusion reactors. The introduction of the spherical torus concept was so motivated to a large degree. An equally important motivation is its prospect of reducing cost and time of fusion research and development. In comparison with alternate confinement concepts of RFP and spheromak, a spherical torus experiment is expected to be similar in compactness, low field, and high beta; but with better, tokamak-like confinement times by more than an order of magnitude. (ERA citation 10:053053)