Status of the Tokamak Physics Experiment

The Tokamak Physics Experiment (TPX) is planned to develop the scientific basis for an economically competitive and continuously operating tokamak fusion power source. It has been designed to have steady-state operating capability, sufficient performance to produce reactor-like plasma configurations, and a flexible set of steady-state plasma controls. Active plasma control (e.g., current profile control, shape and position control, passive and active MHD mode stabilization, and toroidal rotation control) is a key to achieving steady stale tokamak operating conditions with enhanced beta and confinement, efficient current drive, high purity, and high reliability. Inductive scenarios and steady-state operating modes with current-drive have been studied to determine the system requirements for access and maintenance of advanced steady-state modes. Industry contractors have begun detailed engineering design of the superconducting magnets, vacuum vessel, and plasma-facing components.