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The MST physics challenges are large and many,
but much of our work is captured in the following
four major RFP physics goals :
Discovering
the lower limit to magnetic transport
Discovering the
role of electrostatic transport
Determining the Beta
Limit
Uncovering the physics
of magnetic self-organization and links to astrophysics
To accomplish our physics goals
we are developing techniques to apply controlled
external power to the plasma — to control
the current density profile, to heat the plasma,
and to alter the flow. These techniques will enable
us to investigate physics limits of the RFP and
to study key phenomena in a controlled manner.
Application of auxiliary power to the RFP is itself
a research challenge. We have made substantial
progress in the development of such techniques
for the RFP, including the injection of neutral
beams, rf waves, magnetic helicity, and frozen
deuterium pellets. Most of these techniques are
in the development stage; the first goal is to
establish their feasibility for RFP application.
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