Abstract
The construction of the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) has been proceeding in a highly satisfactory manner, giving confidence that the project schedule will be met. The vacuum vessel and toroidal-field coil systems are now in place, and the entire mechanical assembly process is about to be completed. Experimental operation of TFTR will begin with ohmic-heating studies in early CY83, and will proceed to intensive neutral-beam heating in CY84. Radio-frequency experiments on the Princeton Large Torus (PLT) have used a new 3-MW ion cyclotron heating source to demonstrate second-harmonic heating of hydrogen ions up to temperatures of 3 keV. Lower hybrid current drive has sustained plasma currents as large as 400 kA in quasi-steady state. The 7-MW neutral-beam-heating capability of the Poloidal Divertor Experiment (PDX) was utilized to investigate finite-beta stability limits. Beta values above 3% were achieved at safety factor values as low as 1.7. A physical mechanism for beta-limitation was discovered and documented: the energetic-ion-driven, fishbone mode of MHD instability. Construction of the S-1 spheromak is progressing on schedule, with preliminary experimental operation planned for early CY83.
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