Construction and initial results from the magnetic diagnostics of the RWM
Abstract
A new experiment to test the stabilization of the Resistive Wall Mode (RWM) by differentially rotating conducting shells surrounding the plasma is beginning operation. The geometry is a linear screw pinch. The first phase will study the RWM without the secondary rotating shell. The second phase will add a second outer shell to be spun. Theory indicates that the ideal kink, unstable with a stationary shell, can be stabilized with an adequate rotation speed applied to a second overlying shell. The plasma's current density, safety factor profiles, and production is controlled by the plasma gun array. The main RWM diagnostic tool is a 2D array of 80 magnetic field sensors on the outer surface of the inner copper shell. Flexible circuit technology allows the array to be wrapped around the column with a substrate that performs sturdily under high temperature applications. The array provides complete surface area coverage of the column and allows for rapid installation and removal to facilitate alterations to the primary shell. Design specifications afford sub-Gauss sensitivity. Initially, the experiment will map the RWM under a variety of plasma conditions without the secondary spinning shell. Once characterized, the second shell will be incorporated and the RWM features mapped again. Initial results will be presented. This work is supported by the US DOE DE-FG02-00ER54603
- Publication:
-
APS Division of Plasma Physics Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- October 2003
- Bibcode:
- 2003APS..DPPFP1031B