Wendelstein 7-AS (1988 - 2002)

The Wendelstein 7-AS stellarator experiment, which was operated at IPP in Garching from 1988 till 2002, was the first test of basic elements of the stellarator optimisation. This first "Advanced Stellarator" thus paved the way for it's successor, Wendelstein 7-X in Greifswald.


The Wendelstein 7-AS stellarator experiment, which was operated at IPP in Garching from 1988 till 2002, belonged to the further developed generation of "Advanced Stellarators": Wendelstein 7-AS was distinguished from conventional stellarators by its re-computed, physically improved magnetic field generated by likewise innovative, specially shaped coils.



Technical data:
Major plasma radius 2 metres
Minor plasma radius 0,2 metre
Magnetic field 2,5 - 3,5 tesla
Number of coils 45
Plasma volume 1 cubic metre
Plasma quantity < 1 milligram
Pulse length 5 seconds
Plasma heating 5,6 megawatts
Plasma temperature 15 - 60 million degrees


Objectives:

  • investigation of a net-current-free plasma
  • demonstration of improved equilibrium and transport behaviour due to the improved magnetic field structure
  • investigation of the stability limits of the plasma
  • heating of the plasma by various heating methods
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