PHYS564 FUNDAMENTALS OF FUSION PLASMA SYSTEMS

Course Code:2300564
METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week):3 (3.00 - 0.00)
ECTS Credit:8.0
Department:Physics
Language of Instruction:English
Level of Study:Graduate
Course Coordinator:Prof.Dr. İSMAİL RAFATOV
Offered Semester:Once in several years.

Course Objectives

 The course provides the basic ideas of  

  • The development of fusion research over the years.
  • The concept of confinement for different device geometries.
  • The basics of fusion reactor and energy conversion.

Course Content

Energy alternative thermonuclear fusion; inertial and magnetic confinement systems; Tokomak, stellorators and mirror machines; plasma focus and pinches; alternative magnetic confinement systems; Laser fusion systems; concept of fusion reactors; formation and heating of a plasma.


Course Learning Outcomes

When completing the course, the student should be able to

  • Derive the basic MHD model from the kinetic Boltzmann equation
  • Discuss MHD equilibria in cylindrical, toroidal, and noncircular fusion systems/tokamaks. 
  • Recognize how MHD stability theory is implemented in terms of the Energy Principle, interchange instability, ballooning modes, and external kink modes. 
  • Discuss configurations capable of providing good confinement at high beta values.

Program Outcomes Matrix

Level of Contribution
#Program Outcomes0123
1They are competent in the fundamentals of Physics and in the subfield of their thesis work.
2They have necessary skills (literature search, experiment design, project design, etc.) for doing research with guidance of a more experienced researcher.
3They can communicate research results in a proper format (journal article, conference presentation, project report etc.)
4They can learn necessary skills and techniques (theoretical, experimental, computational etc.) on their own.
5They have necessary skills to work as team member in a research group.

0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution