GA TNS Project. Volume I. Programmatic Issues. Status report for FY-78, October 1, 1977--September 30, 1978

The present volume deals with the programmatic issues that serve to define the scope of TNS. Such an examination divides conveniently into two elements: the view of the role of TNS when examined from a roll-back approach and from a roll-forward approach. In the former case, which is really a user's perspective, the mission of TNS is determined by the condition that it provide the data base necessary for meaningful power reactor design. It is found that neither a short pulse D-T device nor a long pulse hydrogen machine is adequate; rather, a long pulse, D-T burner is required. From a roll-forward perspective, that is, one which considers what the program will be ready to accomplish after TFTR, it is argued that the information flow from presently funded experiments will be adequate to answer the key design questions for a long pulse D-T burner in a timely fashion