Exploring a Novel Way to Mitigate Surface Damage in Tokamaks

Michael Campanell | 21-ERD-009

Executive Summary

We will model the effects of electron emission from surfaces in tokamaks, a type of magnetic fusion energy device, using simulation codes and validation experiments to determine whether these emissions can reduce material damage to tokamaks. This research supports national energy security by helping us overcome a principal challenge in achieving practical fusion energy.

Publications, Presentations, and Patents

Johnson, Grant R. and Michael D. Campanell. 2021. “Effects of Emitting Surfaces and Trapped Ions on the Sheath Physics and Current Flow in Multidimensional Plasma Systems,” Plasma Sources Science and Technology 30, 015003.

Campanell, Michael D. and Grant R. Johnson. “Effects of Inverse Sheath Formation at Divertor Plates, Dust Grains, and Negative Ion Sources, on Tokamaks.” Presentation at the American Physical Society Division of Plasma Physics Annual Meeting (held virtually), November 9-13, 2020.

Campanell, Michael D. “Effects of Inverse Sheaths on the Plasma-Surface Interactions in Magnetic Fusion Research Areas.” Presentation at the International Conference on Plasma-Surface Interactions (held virtually), January 24-29, 2021.

Campanell, Michael D. “Thermionic Emission from Divertor Plates: Friend or Foe?” Presentation at the Plasma-Facing Materials Conference (held virtually), May 17-21, 2021.

Campanell, Michael D. “Thermionic Emission from Divertor Plates: Harmful or Beneficial?” Presentation at the Sherwood Fusion Theory Conference (held virtually), August 16-18, 2021.