Page 13 - Fundamentals of Magnetic Thermonuclear Reactor Design

Preface xxi

and larger size, and thermonuclear reactor concepts that were the ITER fore-
runners. Our book does not overlook the importance of this mega-project.
The authors had several objectives in mind. First, they sought to describe
briefly the physical processes in a magnetic thermonuclear reactor (MFR) and
highlight limitations imposed on MFR design, parameters and operating modes
by those processes. Second, they tried to help the reader familiar with the basics
of technical physics and electrical engineering to understand the reactor as a
sustainable operating totality of interacting fusion energy, magnetic, mechanic
and information-and-control systems. The third objective was to prepare the
reader to take in the ever-updating information about the engineering and physi-
cal challenges posed by nuclear fusion. The educational aspect was not forgot-
ten either—given the need to train young fusion physicists and specialists in
fusion power engineering and electrical–physical design engineering.
This book has 14 chapters. Chapters 1, 2 summarise the CTF’s physical
fundamentals, give the key ratios between plasma and technical parameters of
different fusion machines and explain the essential features required of the key
MFRs. The most important features of ITER are outlined in Chapter 3. The next
nine chapters address the general principles, design streamlining algorithms
and engineering solutions for the MFR’s key systems, namely, the magnetic,
vacuum pumping and tritium systems; the in-vessel components; the blanket;
as well as the plasma control and additional heating systems. The problems of
structural and functional materials used in MFRs are discussed in Chapter 13.
The final Chapter 14 looks at the safety and environmental aspects of mag-
netic fusion energy. The appendices to the book summarise the characteristics
of MFRs and provide data on how their designing in CAD is performed, as well
as some regulatory documents.
The book targets several groups of readers, from senior university students
majoring in relevant science to professionals in electrical/physical engineer-
ing. Historical perspective and technical descriptions alternate with detailed
engineering design case studies. The authors tried to make every chapter fully
illustrating a certain theme and have a plot structure. To this end, iterations were
used deliberately.
We recommend specialists wanting to know the status of R&D in the dis-
cussed area to read the proceedings of regular international symposia on fu-
sion technology (SOFT) and fusion nuclear technologies (ISFNT), published
in Fusion Engineering and Design. Proceedings of Russia-based conferences/
events in fusion engineering (including those held in Leningrad/St. Petersburg),
the collected articles ‘Problems of Atomic Science and Technology’, series
‘Thermonuclear Fusion’ and ‘Electrophysical Apparatus’, as well as the journal
Plasma Devices and Operation published since 1990 also may be useful.
The research and engineering community has gained an encyclopaedic
knowledge on the physical and technical problems of controlled fusion. The
INTOR and ITER projects have made an immense contribution to this body of