Optimization of capillary source geometry for maximum pellet exit velocity in electrothermal plasma launchers

Abstract

Deep fueling for large-scale tokamak fusion reactors requires the use of high-velocity fuel pellet injectors. The fuel pellets consist of deuterium or deuterium-tritium ice. Electrothermal plasma guns can be used to launch fuel pellets into the fusion plasma at a range of velocities. The plasma guns can be used to launch pellets at the velocities required for fusion reactor deep fueling or for the control of edge localized modes.