The potential of D-T and D-/sup 3/He fuel cycles in field-reversed configurations

Abstract

The high beta and the divertor action of the open field lines of the field-reversed configuration (FRC) are especially attractive for high-power-density operation and for direct energy conversion. Due to its early stage of development, many problems are unsolved. A key one is particle and energy transport, where several models offer different scaling laws, ranging from the upper limit given by the loss sphere scattering model to more pessimistic laws based on anomalous lower hybrid transport. The authors have fitted the loss sphere model to the limited database available and compared the results with those of other scaling laws. They have focused on the energetic and nuclear performance of both D-T- and D-/sup 3/He-fueled plasmas in such a device. A profile averaged 0-D plasma model that includes all relevant physical processes has been used. The D-T cycle with its lower operating temperature offers an easier start-up scenario than D-/sup 3/He. The D-/sup 3/He cycle, however, offers a unique possibility for a low-neutron and low-radioactivity environment. It also provides favorable conditions for direct energy conversion of charged particles, which is ideally suited to the FRC.<>