Counterstreaming-ion Tokamak fusion reactors

The term counterstreaming-ion Tokamak (CIT) is used to denote that class of deuteron-triton plasmas with the total ion energy density much greater than the electron energy density, the parallel pressure greater than the perpendicular pressure, and the deuteron and triton velocity distributions shifted oppositely in the parallel direction. Results are presented for studies on the energetics and reactor performance of CIT-type operation when nonideal effects such as charge-exchange loss and large warm-ion populations are included. The objective is to determine realistic operating regimes that would offer Q values of 1 to 2, which are suitable for near-term Tokamak applications such as fissile breeding. Major computational tools used comprise a numerical multispecies Fokker-Planck analysis coupled with a one-dimensional plasma transport code.