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Applied magnetic field design for the field reversed configuration compression heating experiment
M T Domonkos1, D Amdahl, J F Camacho
1Directed Energy Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico 87117, USA. AFRL/RDHPWorkflowOrgMailbox@kirtland.af.mil
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|May 3, 2013
Summary
Detailed magnetic field calculations for the FRC Compression-Heating Experiment (FRCHX) were performed. Simulations informed the design of magnetic coils and hardware for FRC formation, translation, and compression.
Area of Science:
- Plasma Physics
- Fusion Energy Research
- Computational Electromagnetics
Background:
- The FRC Compression-Heating Experiment (FRCHX) aims to achieve fusion conditions through magnetic compression.
- Efficient formation, translation, and capture of the Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC) are critical for successful compression.
- Accurate modeling of applied magnetic fields is essential for optimizing experimental design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform detailed calculations of applied magnetic fields for FRC formation, translation, and capture in FRCHX.
- To use simulation results to design magnetic field coils and compression hardware.
- To present the vacuum magnetic field solution for the FRCHX.
Main Methods:
- Utilized COMSOL Multiphysics(®), a finite element solver, for detailed magnetic field calculations.
- Employed two-dimensional axisymmetric magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations with MACH2 to determine optimal magnetic field characteristics.
- Designed magnetic field coils (single-turn for formation, solenoidal for translation/capture) and compression hardware.
Main Results:
- Calculations successfully modeled the formation, guide, and mirror applied magnetic fields.
- Simulations specified optimal magnetic field parameters for FRC manipulation within the experiment.
- The study presents the vacuum magnetic field solution, crucial for understanding plasma behavior.
Conclusions:
- The simulations provide a robust design basis for the magnetic field systems in FRCHX.
- The designed magnetic fields are capable of forming, translating, and capturing the FRC for compression.
- This work lays the groundwork for achieving compression heating in the FRCHX.
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