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Plasma Physics (Physics/ECE/NE 922) Seminar
Magnetic Mirror Fusion Game Changing Discoveries
Date: Monday, October 3rd
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Place: 2241 Chamberlin Hall
Speaker: Tom Simonen, Michigan Tech
Abstract: Scientific results from the Russian Gas Dynamic Trap (GDT) experiment [1] and technological developments from ITER R&D motivate examination of new magnetic mirror confinement fusion concepts. This talk will describe advances in the understanding of the physics [2] of axisymmetric MHD- stability, ion cyclotron micro-stability and axial electron temperature confinement as well as developments in ITER of high-field superconducting magnets, high-frequency MW level microwave gyrotrons, and 1 MeV energy neutral beams all of which are applicable to mirror systems. Favoring high ion temperatures, we note that mirrors provide the possibility of burning advanced fuel such as DD [3].
Footnote: During the 1980's the Wisconsin Phaedrus experiment played a significant role in developing the understanding of mirror physics [4] and, more recently, collaborated with the GDT experiment.
1. P.A. Bagryanski, et al., Physical Review Letters 114, 205001 (2015)
2. T.C. Simonen, Journal of Fusion Energy 35, 63 (2016)
3. T.K. Fowler, submitted for publication and presented at Open Systems Conference 2016
4. N. Hershkowitz, Nuclear Fusion 30, 1761 (1990)
Host: Cary Forest
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