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Modelling of Equilibria and Confinement for Centrifugal Mirror Machines

POSTER

Abstract

Due to the success of the Maryland Centrifugal Experiment (MCX) [R. F. Ellis et. al. Phys. Plasmas 8, 2057

(2000)] and initial theoretical analyses, the Centrifugal Mirror concept is being further explored by the construction

of the Centrifugal Mirror Fusion Experiment (CMFX) [C. A. Romero-Talamas, this conference] at the University of

Maryland. This prompts a deeper inquiry into the underlying confinement and stability properties of centrifugal

mirrors as a class of devices. Here we present a model, calculated in the rapidly-rotating well-confined limit, which

can be used for the rapid prototyping of such devices.

In this limit, we present kinetic equilibrium calculations incorporating the effect of finite Alfven Mach number.

This magnetic equilibrium is used to compute approximate end loss rates and electrical properties of the plasma.

Corrections to the parallel electric field are computed to ensure all losses are ambipolar. This provides a self-consisent

basis for a 0D “systems” model of a centrifugal mirror machine. As examples we provide design points corresponding

to CMFX and an upgraded device capable of achieving breakeven.

This work was supported by ARPA-E Grant No. DE-AR0001270 as part of the BETHE program.

Presenters

  • Ian G Abel

    University of Maryland, College Park, IREAP, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, IREAP, University of Maryland, College Park

Authors

  • Ian G Abel

    University of Maryland, College Park, IREAP, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, IREAP, University of Maryland, College Park

  • Adil B Hassam

    University of Maryland, College Park, IREAP, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742

  • Timothy W Koeth

    University of Maryland, College Park, IREAP, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742

  • Carlos A Romero-Talamás

    University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, MD 21250

  • Nicholas Schwartz

    University of Maryland, College Park, IREAP, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742