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Abstract/Syllabus:
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Molvig, Kim, 22.012 Seminar: Fusion and Plasma Physics, Spring 2006. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology: MIT OpenCourseWare), http://ocw.mit.edu (Accessed 07 Jul, 2010). License: Creative Commons BY-NC-SA
Seminar: Fusion and Plasma Physics
Spring 2006
Fusion is an attractive domestic energy source. The most developed fusion concept is the Tokamak, shown in this image. (Image courtesy of the Department of Energy, Office of Fusion Energy Sciences.)
Course Highlights
This course features a partial set of lecture notes and sample student projects in the assignments section. In addition, Web resources supplementing class materials are available in the related resources section.
Course Description
This course uses lectures and discussion to introduce the range of topics relevant to plasma physics and fusion engineering. An introductory discussion of the economic and ecological motivation for the development of fusion power is also presented. Contemporary magnetic confinement schemes, theoretical questions, and engineering considerations are presented by expert guest lecturers. Students enrolled in the course also tour the Plasma Science and Fusion Center experimental facilities.
Syllabus
Course Description
Fusion Energy has the potential to provide almost unlimited amounts of electric power with minimal environmental impact. This seminar covers a range of plasma and fusion energy topics, including discussion of the Global Energy Picture, the Physics of Fusion, Fusion Reactors and Tokamaks. A Tour of the Plasma Science and Fusion Center including the Alcator C-MOD Tokamak is part of the seminar. In addition, other fusion related topics are discussed including Plasma Rockets for Manned Space Missions and Plasma Fuel Converters for Environmentally Improved Cars and Trucks.
Course Requirements
Attendance and participation are a significant part of the final grade in this course so students are expected to attend all class sessions. There are no problem sets, exams, or required textbooks for the course. There will be a short term paper, of 1 to 10 pages (or Microsoft® PowerPoint® equivalent), on one of the subjects discussed in class. Students may pair up for this project. The term papers and presentations are due in class on Lec #13 and Lec #14.
Grading
The final grade for the course will be based on the following:
Course grading.
| activities |
percentages |
| Term Paper |
40% |
| Attendance and Participation |
60% |
Calendar
This section contains the schedule of topics for the course.
Course calendar.
| Lec # |
topics |
instructors |
| 1 |
Global Energy Picture |
Prof. Molvig |
| 2 |
Nuclear Physics of Fusion |
Prof. Molvig |
| 3 |
Physics of Magnetic Confinement |
Prof. Molvig |
| 4 |
Alcator C-MOD and LDX (Levitated Dipole) Tour |
Ms. Andrea Schmidt |
| 5 |
Fusion Reactors: The Ultimate Nuclear Power Plant |
Prof. Parker |
| 6 |
Physics of Fusion Experiments |
Dr. Terry |
| 7 |
Simulating Basic Plasma Physics with Computers |
Prof. Hutchinson |
| 8 |
MHD for Fusion: Where Next? |
Prof. Friedberg |
| 9 |
Plasma Rockets for Manned Space Missions |
Dr. Batischev |
| 10 |
Fusion without Neutrons using p-B11 Fuel |
Prof. Molvig |
| 11 |
Superconducting Magnets for ITER (International Tokamak Experimental Reactor) |
Dr. Minervini |
| 12 |
Disruptions in Tokamaks |
Dr. Granetz |
| 13 |
Paper Presentations and Discussions |
All |
| 14 |
Paper Presentations and Discussions (cont.) |
All |
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