Studies of Magnetic Fluctuations and Disruption Dynamics Using Internal Mirnov Coil Array in the STOR-M Tokamak

Tokamak is the most promising magnetic confinement fusion reactor configuration for clean energy with practically inexhaustible fuel supply on the Earth. Even though significant progresses have been made, challenges still exist. For example, catastrophic disruptions due to various instabilities in tokamak must be avoided since the sudden interruption of a huge current may destroy the expensive reactor beyond repair. Identifying disruption precursors and mitigation of disruptions are among the most important research topics for tokamak physics and engineering development.

STOR-M at the University of Saskatchewan is currently the only tokamak in Canada for research and training. The intern will utilize the excellent facility to conduct experimental studies of instabilities and the induced minor disruptions in STOR-M. Being small in size, STOR-M is robust enough to withstand the disruptions artificially induced and allow studies of the disruptions. This study may help to identify the precursors leading to disruptions and to develop technology to suppress the instabilities and to avoid major disruptions. Intern will learn rich laboratory skills such as vacuum, electrical, control, data acquisition and processing.

Faculty Supervisor:

Chijin Xiao

Student:

Partner:

Nihon University

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Saskatchewan

Program: