[Table of Contents]

Plasma and Fusion Research

Volume 6, 2405130 (2011)

Regular Articles

DT Fusion Ignition of LHD-Type Helical Reactor by Joule Heating Associated with Magnetic Axis Shift
Tsuguhiro WATANABE
National Institute for Fusion Science, 322-6 Oroshi-cho, Toki 509-5292, Japan
(Received 6 December 2010 / Accepted 30 June 2011 / Published 26 August 2011)

Abstract

A new concept to achieve current drive with magnetic axis shift, which is caused by vertical magnetic field coil current change in LHD-type magnetic configuration, is proposed. It is confirmed numerically that an LHD-type helical fusion reactor can be ignited by high-current Joule heating. MHD stability of the plasma current in a helical system is analyzed theoretically. Large plasma current that flows in the opposite direction of the helical coil current is MHD stable. Currents with a hollow current profile are more stable than those with a flat-top profile. The central peak current profile will be redistributed to the hollow current profile. A new concept involving the current-driven and current-less hybrid operational scenario of an LHD-type helical reactor is discussed.

Keywords

LHD, fusion reactor, Joule heating, high beta, MHD stability

DOI: 10.1585/pfr.6.2405130

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This paper may be cited as follows:

Tsuguhiro WATANABE, Plasma Fusion Res. 6, 2405130 (2011).