Thursday, October 6, 2022, 16:00
WHGA Auditorium
Fernanda Rimini, CCFE-UKAEA
Abstract:
The JET tokamak is, presently, the largest operational magnetic
confinement fusion experiment in the world and the only one capable of
using Tritium for its plasma studies. Since 2011, it is also equipped
with an all-metal ITER-like Be/W plasma facing wall. These
characteristics make it a unique testing ground for some of the crucial
physics and technology aspects of reactor-relevant DT fusion plasmas.
Following a decade of deuterium experiments in the ITER-like wall
environment, JET undertook an ambitious and wide-ranging series of
tritium and deuterium-tritium campaigns.
The main aims were to explore high fusion performance scenarios, to demonstrate clear alpha-particle effects, to clarify the impact of plasma isotope on energy and particle transport, and to address key plasma-wall interaction issues.
The experiments were prepared by an extensive predictive modelling activity and supported by significant upgrades in the JET diagnostics capability. The physics studies have also been underpinned by a wide-ranging set of engineering activities including for example the refurbishment and upgrade of the tritium processing capability within the Active Gas Handling System or the complex calibration of 14MeV neutron diagnostics.
The combination of the progress in plasma scenarios, of improved measurements and modelling capabilities with the ITER-like wall environment ensured these DT experiments were a major step beyond what was achieved in earlier DT studies in JET and TFTR.
This talk will summarize the key scientific and engineering results,
including the new DT fusion energy record of 59MJ, and highlight their
contribution to the next generation of experimental reactors.