Analysis of the highest energy confinement in tokamaks based on thermodynamic approach

Abstract

We analyze the highest energy confinement in tokamak plasmas based on thermodynamic approach (plasma self-organization). The energy transport coefficients in the saturated confinement regimes are calculated from experiments in the T-10 tokamak. Using these coefficients, we estimate the maximal energy confinement for JET, ASDEX Upgrade, JT-60U, DIII-D and KSTAR tokamaks. Calculated energy confinement is in a good agreement with measured ones. Obtained results allow us to predict the maximal energy confinement in newly constructed machines up to a fusion reactor. The energy confinement for two basic scenarios for ITER is accessed.

Physical Processes That Occur in Self-Organized Tokamak Plasma

“…The coefficient χ0, found in T-10, allows us to calculate the best energy confinement in various tokamaks. Figure 8 from [18] shows the relationship between the calculated and measured energy store for the highest performance discharges obtained in JET, AUG, JT-60U, DIII-D, and KSTAR tokamaks. It is easy to see that the experimental If we try to stabilize the island using ECR heating or current drive, we destruct the barrier, always located on the outer side of the island [9].…”