Centrifugally confined plasmas for magnetic fusion energy. Final technical report for period March 15, 1998 - September 1, 2000

The purpose of the research funded under this study grant was to investigate the feasibility of a small scale experiment to test the concept of centrifugal confinement as a magnetic fusion energy scheme and to develop conceptual designs for important components of such an experiment. This work falls in the category of Innovative Confinement Concepts, as defined by the Office of Fusion Energy. The results of the funded work were very successful in that various studies were conducted which showed the concept to be viable and these studies led to design improvements. In addition, the major components of an experiment were identified and designed at least to the conceptual stage. In September, 2000 the Maryland Centrifugal Torus was funded for construction, in no small part because of the progress made during the time period reported here. The centrifugal confinement concept for fusion is based on three principles: (1) centrifugal forces from supersonic plasma rotation perpendicular to a strong magnetic field can provide effective confinement along the field; (2) the concomitant large velocity shear will suppress even macro-MHD instabilities; and (3) the sheared rotation will heat the plasma via viscous dissipation. Technical progress was made in clarifying and quantifying these concepts and designing a cost effective experiment. They briefly describe each area of progress and the implications for the MCT project