From:
irby@PSFC.MIT.EDU
Reply-To: IRBY@PSFC.MIT.EDU
Subject: Alcator C-Mod
Weekly Highlights
Newsgroups: sci.physics.plasma
Organization:
MIT
Alcator
C-Mod Weekly Highlights
November
2, 2001
Work continued on the machine inspection this
week. The inner divertor
installation
is proceeding. ICRF and LH systems
continue to be developed,
and new hardware fabricated and installed.
Physics
-------
Most
C-Mod Physicists attended the APS/DPP meeting in Long Beach, CA
this
week. Fifty-three C-Mod related invited
talks, talks, and
posters were presented at the meeting.
Inspection
----------
Work
continued this week on measurements of the TF feltmetal thickness
and
assessment of its condition. The
feltmetal is generally in excellent
condition. We also continued tests of the OH coaxes and calculations
of
stresses on the bolts and helicoils as we work to understand
indications of
high stress on the threads.
Inner Divertor
--------------
Welding
of the inner wall studs will be complete early next week; only two
studs
remain to be installed. Pull tests of
all the studs is also nearly
done.
The stud installation process has gone very smoothly and taken much
less
time than scheduled. In
addition, we now have all backing and C-plates
silver plated and in house,
and following a final cleaning and vacuum bake,
they will be ready for
installation.
ICRF Systems
------------
A
temperature stable local oscillator to drive the new demodulator boards
is
being designed and prototyped. The
demodulator board is in the PC board
layout phase.
We continue to develop models of
the transmitters and transmission line
system. S-parameter measurements of the antennas will be used in
the
model along with simulation results.
Lower Hybrid MIE
Project
------------------------
Parts have been received for
the klystron water cooling pump controller.
Interface electronics and
packaging hardware for the controller are being
developed. The installation of the water system
header/manifold has
begun in the cell.
Wiring of the flow meters has also begun. Cabling for
the water system is being layed out and vendors
for fabrication are
being selected.
Assembly of the HVPS is
nearly complete. The last internal 13.8
kV wiring
should be complete early next week. The new replacement transformers are
in Boston awaiting
processing through customs. The
addition of MIT power
distribution panel,lighting and convenience outlets
is complete.
Termination of fiber optic cables is complete and test
results have been
received. The high
voltage triax cable that connects the HVPS to the
klystrons is ready for
termination. The 13.8kV cabling has
been terminated
in our switchyard.
DNB and Related
Diagnostics
---------------------------
We have begun removal
of the old diagnostic neutral beam from the
C-Mod cell. Work continues on design improvements to the
DNB related
diagnostics. A review
of modifications to the F-Port flange and
beam duct will be held next
week.
Travel and Visits
-----------------
The
ISIS Program is a graduate program for Southern Connecticut State
University
high school science teachers with the primary focus being to
expose
teachers to cutting edge scientific research in a variety of
disciplines. On Friday approximately thirty graduate
students from SCSU
attended a lecture given by Brian LaBombard on Alcator
C-Mod and
then had a tour of the facility. Justin Sarlese helped Brian with the
tour.
Amanda
Hubbard went to State University of NY at Albany on Friday, and gave
a
Physics Department seminar on "Understanding and Improving Energy
Transport
in Fusion Plasmas."