Hiroshi Tsuji, Head of Superconducting Magnet Laboratory at the Naka Fusion Research Establishment in Japan, has reported successful testing of the ITER superconducting Central Soleniod Model Coil. The experimental team consisted of about 50 persons from France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States.

On April 19, the team reached its goal of 13 T, 46 kA and 640 MJ. Tsuji said that the coil was charged up to 100% current without any quench, all 38 conductor joints worked as designed and the coil was then "dumped" from 46 kA to zero amps in 17.7 seconds. A figure showing the ramp up of field and current in the test, and a comparison with other superconducting magnets around the world is attached (click here).

Tsuji said that the team will be conducting additional tests, including a 10,000 cyclic fatigue test.

Miklos Porkalab, Director of the MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center, which had a key role in the coil's design and construction, hailed the success, saying, " I think it is a wonderful news, not only for those directly involved in designing and fabricating the CS coil, but also a credit to the whole US Fusion Engineeering effort. This success is particularly noteworthy when we consider the great financial and political difficulties in the final year of this project."

Porkolab said that the "success justifies the effort spent on making sure that this project would be completed" and wished the researchers "continued success in the future continued testing of the CS coil."

He said, "I am convinced that the day will come when the data obtained from the present tests will be a key element in deciding the shape and form of the next major experimental fusion device."

For further information, contact Hiroshi Tsuji (tsuji@naka.jaeri.go.jp).