Runaway electron generation decrease during a major disruption by limiter biasing in tokamaks

Abstract

The high-energy current of runaway electrons during a major disruption in tokamak reactors can cause serious damage to the first wall of the reactors and reduce their life time. Therefore, finding a method to minimize runaway electron generation during a major disruption is much needed. Tokamak limiter biasing is one of the methods that can be used for controlling the radial electric field and can induce a transition to an improved confinement state. This paper attempts to examine the effect of limiter biasing on the generation of runaway electrons during a major disruption. To do so, a horizontal biased limiter placed on the tokamak was used. Main parameters such as plasma current, loop voltage, emitted hard X-ray intensity, magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) oscillation and Hα radiation and spectrum of hard X-rays, in the presence and absence of negative and positive limiter biasing, were measured. The results show that the application of limiter biasing during a major disruption can reduce runaway electron generation.