Optimization Studies in IGNITEX

Abstract

In the existing budgetary environment, low-cost, high-payoff fusion experiments are increasingly attractive. IGNITEX, a homopolar generator powered single-turn tokamak, has the potential to achieve ignition at relatively low cost. A 60 MJ homopolar generator facility (with an easy upgrade path to 90 MJ) is in place at CEM-UT. Using this facility, CEM-UT researchers have produced a 20 T on-axis magnetic field in a 1/16 scale IGNITEX prototype. This paper presents the results of optimization studies conducted to determine the lowest-cost homopolar generator facility which can power an IGNITEX prototype of any chosen scale operating at 20 T on-axis.