The Thor tokamak experiment
Abstract
The principle characteristics of plasma discharges produced in Thor tokamak experiments are discussed. The equilibrium and stability characteristics of the plasma produced are considered, with attention given to the density limits and critical streaming parameter for stable operation. The temporal evolution of the main plasma parameters, including electron density, electron temperature distribution, hard X-ray emission from suprathermal electrons, neutral gas influx, plasma density and Ohmic heating efficiency, is then examined, with particular emphasis on means used to control the electron runaway. The results achieved are noted to have demonstrated the possibility of controlling both plasma equilibrium and discharge regime, and further improvements expected by the use of more efficient preionization, gas puffing and feedback poloidal control of column position are indicated.
- Publication:
-
Nuovo Cimento B Serie
- Pub Date:
- June 1981
- DOI:
- 10.1007/BF02755093
- Bibcode:
- 1981NCimB..63..471A
- Keywords:
-
- Magnetohydrodynamic Stability;
- Plasma Control;
- Plasma Diagnostics;
- Plasma Equilibrium;
- Tokamak Devices;
- Electron Energy;
- Plasma Currents;
- Plasma Density;
- Plasma Oscillations;
- Power Spectra;
- Plasma Physics