Performance of the ZT-40M reversed-field pinch with an Inconel liner
Abstract
Modifications made to ZT-40 have substantially improved plasma parameters: pinch resistance has decreased by more than an order of magnitude, T sub e has exceeded 300 eV, and with power crowbar operation 20 ms steady-state discharges have been obtained. With a beta of 0.1, and the assumptions of modified Bessel function magnetic-field profiles and classical ohmic heating the energy confinement time, 0.2 ms, is close to that expected for the measured temperatures and discharge currents. A relaxation process (dynamo) sustains reversed field pinch (RFP) profiles extending discharge life-times beyond the limit predicted by classical resistive diffusion. If the process continues to operate, a steady-stte RFP is possible. Extension of the toroidal current risetime to the experiment's design limit (1.5 ms) indicates that RFPs can be formed at still longer rise-times with reasonable voltsecond and energy inputs facilitating the design of future experiments. These results represent a significant advance for the RFP concept toward a viable ohmic-heated magnetic-fusion system.
- Publication:
-
Presented at the 9th IAEA Meeting
- Pub Date:
- 1982
- Bibcode:
- 1982iaea.meet....1B
- Keywords:
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- Plasma Control;
- Plasma Heating;
- Reverse Field Pinch;
- Controlled Fusion;
- Impurities;
- Inconel (Trademark);
- Linings;
- Plasma Conductivity;
- Plasma Physics