Fusionsforschung

What it is about

You will receive an introduction to fusion research with a focus on magnetic fusion. The module explains the fundamentals of nuclear fusion, different magnetic confinement concepts (e.g., mirror, pinch, tokamak, stellarator), heating and diagnostics of plasmas, as well as current research results. By the end you will be able to describe the basic fusion processes, the most important confinement concepts, and the relevant methods for heating and diagnostics.

What you will be able to do

• Explain fundamental fusion processes and the necessary plasma parameters
• Describe processes of magnetic confinement of plasmas
• Name elementary technical elements of tokamak and stellarator experiments and describe their strengths/weaknesses
• Name common instabilities in fusion plasmas
• Describe the most important methods for heating and diagnostics of fusion plasmas
• Discuss processes that lead to transport losses in toroidal plasmas

What the module consists of

• VorlesungTransmission of the fundamentals of fusion research, connection to energy issues and current research; final visit to the research facility ASDEX Upgrade
• ÜbungDeepening of plasma physics knowledge, discussion of lecture topics and joint work on exercise problems

Teaching method

• Vorlesung mit Präsentation, Filmen und TafelarbeitIntroduction to the topics and establishing links to research
• Übungsblätter und DiskussionsübungenDeepening of the lecture contents through independent work and discussion of tasks
• Besuch der Forschungsanlage ASDEX UpgradePractical insight into experimental research activities
• Begleitende Internetseite und ergänzende LiteraturProvision of materials for independent preparation and deepening