Numerical Simulation And Optimal Control In Plasma Physics

Numerical Simulation and Optimal Control in Plasma Physics

Numerical Simulation and Optimal Control in Plasma Physics

This monograph on modelling, numerical simulation, and optimal control of equilibrium of the plasma in Tokamak fusion reactors covers new generation designs which have just entered service (JET, TFTR, and JT60), are under construction (TORE Supra), or are projected (INTOR and NET). The first five chapters deal with the stationary problem of axisymmetric equilibrium of the plasma--modelling and numerical simulation, mathematical existence of a solution for a simplified model, and identification and static control of the boundary of the plasma. Two final chapters treat the evolution of equilibrium on the time-scale of thermal diffusion in the plasma, and the stability and dynamic control of displacements of the plasma.

Magnetic Control of Tokamak Plasmas

this part is supported by two useful appendices on some of the mathematical tools used and the physical units of plasma physics. State-space models, state observers, H control, and process simulations are some of the familiar techniques used by ? the authors to meet the demanding spatial control specifications for these processes; however, the research reported in the monograph is more that just simulation studies and proposals for possible future hypothetical controllers, for the authors have worked with some of the world’s leading existing tokamak facilities. Chapter 5, 8, and 9 respectively, give practical results of implementations of their control schemes on the FTU Tokamak (Italy), the TCV Tokamak (Switzerland), and the JET Tokamak (United Kingdom). Additionally, the authors present simulation results of their ideas for the control of the new tokamak proposed for the ITER project. In conclusion, being very aware that most control engineers will not be conversant with the complexities of tokamak nuclear fusion reactor control, the authors have taken special care to give a useful introduction to the background of nuclear fusion, the science of plasma physics and appropriate models in the first part of the monograph (Chapters 1 to 3). This introduction is followed by six chapters (4 to 9) of control studies. In Chapter 4, the generic control problem is established and then five case study chapters follow.