Preface: Next European Torus

Abstract

The Next European Torus (NET) is a device aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of useful energy production from deuterium and tritium fusion reactions. The main objective of the European fusion program, in the medium term, is to develop the scientific and technical basis necessary to construct NET. This is done by carrying out a substantial research program in tokamak physics on the Joint European Torus (JET) and, in future, six specialized medium-sized tokamaks (ASDEX Upgrade, COMPASS, FTU, TEXTOR, TORE SUPRA, and TCV) as well as since 1983, the design of NET and a supporting technological development program, which should culminate with a decision on the construction of NET in 1994. During the definition phase of NET (1984-85), the physics and technology issues critical for the design have been focused on and their interdependencies have been analyzed. The need for an optimum balance of risks and difficulties between physics and engineering was recognized in several design areas. These findings have proven to be of value in establishing priorities in the research and development (RD it also serves as an introduction to the following two papers, which deal in greater detail with the basic machine and the in-vessel components. Issues related to the operation cycle of the machine and to its assembly and maintenance are described in the subsequent two papers, followed by an overview of the heating and current drive as well as the plasma exhaust and fuel processing systems of the device. The requirements to be fulfilled for the testing of nuclear components on NET and the testing scenario anticipated for NET are discussed in the tenth paper. The