Tokamak physics

Mission of the group

The tokamak Physics Group (TPG) aims to develop:

* an integrated understanding of the physics of the burning ITER core, including fast particle effects and MHD
* control schemes to sustain a burning plasma core
* the physics and technology for MHD stabilization in ITER

 The group is also involved in R&D tasks associated with the design and construction of the Upper Port ECRH/CD launcher for ITER.

Annual report 2008 – Description Tokamak physics group

Long term aims:

The aim of the group is to be one of the stronger players in the physics of plasma scenario development, core parameter control and MHD control for ITER.

A significant aspect of this is the preparation of the group for involvement in ITER. This implies a strong participation in the technical and scientific development of the Upper Port Launcher for MHD control in ITER, and the ensuing scientific exploitation of the UPL and the Upper Port Viewer in ITER.

Current activities

The activities of the group are subdivided into:

• Electron Cyclotron Waves
• MHD and plasma control
• Remote handling

Scientific papers 2009:

1. D. J. Thoen et al., Development and testing of a fast Fourier transform high dynamic-range spectral diagnostics for millimeter wave characterization. Review of Scientific Instruments 80, no. 10 (2009): 103504. 
   
2. Bongers, W.A. et al. A remotely steered millimetre wave launcher for electron cyclotron heating and current drive on ITER. Fusion Engineering and Design In Press, Corrected Proof, (2009). 
3. Westerhof, E. et al. Strong Scattering of High Power Millimeter Waves in Tokamak Plasmas with Tearing Modes. Phys. Rev. Lett. 103, 125001-4 (2009). 
4. Bertelli, N. & Westerhof, E. Consequences of finite transport on the effectiveness of ECCD for neoclassical tearing mode stabilization in ITER. Nuclear Fusion 49, (2009). 
5. De Lazzari, D. & Westerhof, E. On the merits of heating and current drive for tearing mode stabilization. Nuclear Fusion 49, 075002 (2009). 
6. Ronden, D. et al. Finalization of the conceptual design of the remote steering ECH launcher for ITER. Fusion Engineering and Design 84, 1645-1648 (2009). 
7. Koning, J. et al. Maintenance implications of critical components in ITER CXRS upper port plug design. Fusion Engineering and Design 84, 1091-1094 (2009). 
8. Hennen, B. et al. A closed-loop control system for stabilization of MHD events on TEXTOR. Fusion Engineering and Design 84, 928-934 (2009). 
9. Heidinger, R. et al. Conceptual design of the ECH upper launcher system for ITER. Fusion Engineering and Design 84, 284-289 (2009). 
10. Heemskerk, C. et al. Applying principles of Design For Assembly to ITER maintenance operations. Fusion Engineering and Design 84, 911-914 (2009). 
11. Elzendoorn, B. et al. Analysis of the ITER ECH Upper Port Launcher remote maintenance using virtual reality. Fusion Engineering and Design 84, 733-735 (2009). 
12. Bongers, W.A. et al. Magnetic Island Localization for NTM Control by ECE Viewed Along the Same Optical Path of the ECCD Beam. Fusion Science and Technology 55, 188-203 (2009). 

Conference contributions:

1. M.R. de Baar et al. Remote Handling for ITER, Dutch Robotics, 26 May 2009, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
2. M.R. de Baar et al. A tearing mode track-and-suppress system for TEXTOR, 5th IAEA Technical Meeting on “ECRH Physics and Technology for Large Fusion Devices” 18-20 February 2009, Gandinaghar, India
3. C. Heemskerk et al. Analysis of Port Plug maintenance procedures in the ITER Hot Cell Facility using Virtual Reality, Poster presented at HOTLAB conference 2009, Prague, Czech Republic, 20-23 September 29
4. D. De Lazzari et al. On the Merits of Heating and Current Drive for Tearing Modes Stabilization, 36th EPS Conference on Plasma Physics June 29 - July 3, 2009, Sofia, BulgariaE. Westerhof et al. Physics aspects limiting the achievable localization of the EC driven current in ITER, 5th IAEA Technical Meeting on “ECRH Physics and Technology for Large Fusion Devices” 18-20 February 2009, Gandinaghar, India
5. N. Bertelli et al. The effect of the radial diffusion on the effectiveness of ECCD for neoclassical tearing mode stabilization in ITER, The 8th Topical Conference on Radio Frequency Power in Plasmas, 24-26 June 2009, Gent, Belgium
6. N. Bertelli et al. The effect of anomalous radial transport on electron cyclotron current drive for neoclassical tearing mode stabilization in ITER, 13th European Fusion Theory Conference, 12-15 October 2009, Riga, Latvia
7. W.A. Bongers et al. ECE System on ASDEX-Upgrade Placed Inline at the High Power Waveguide based Transmission System, IRMMW-THz, 21-25 September 2009 , Busan, Korea
8. D.J. Thoen et al. FFT based Diagnostic for Spectral Characterization of Scattered Millimeter Waves in Tokamaks, IRMMW-THz , 21-25 September 2009, Busan, Korea

Personnel of the Tokamak Physics group