Russian Scientists Develop Magnetic Field Scanner for Fusion Reactors
The system is designed to detect engineering errors in next-generation fusion energy installations before reactors go online.
Researchers at the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI have developed an experimental platform for measuring magnetic fields inside spherical tokamaks, a type of fusion reactor. In practical terms, the system acts as a magnetic field scanner that can identify design inaccuracies in future thermonuclear reactors. The platform can also detect “parasitic” magnetic fields caused by assembly imperfections that distort the shape of the plasma column.
The system features a modular design, allowing researchers to regularly reconfigure the setup and expand the scope of experiments. Initial measurements showed that real-world magnetic distortions are somewhat greater than theoretical models had predicted.
In effect, the researchers have created a critical diagnostic tool that could help engineers avoid a wide range of design errors in future fusion energy systems.
