ITER: Physics basis

Summary form only given. The physics studies for ITER (International Experimental Thermonuclear Reactor) will begin with experiments in hydrogen to address questions of confinement, operational limits, divertor performance, disruption behavior, heating, and current drive efficiency. Experiments with D and ³He will be done to test the RF heating systems, simulate alpha particle effects, and further address the same issues raised during hydrogen operation, and to test the diagnostic systems expected to be used during D/T operation. D or ³He operation will provide moderate levels of activation so that access will be limited. Experiments will then proceed with D/T. Experiments at progressively higher levels of Q will be performed, until ignited operation is obtained. The goal is to study long-pulse (⩾200-s) ignited plasmas with inductive operation. In addition, the plasma and divertor performance with progressively higher levels of current drive will be studied. The goal during the final portion of physics studies will be to identify a long-pulse (1000 s to steady state) mode of plasma operation which can be run reliably during the technology phase to produce a fusion power of ~1000 MW or more with a minimum of disruptions