Tokamak reactor design studies: progress and prognosis

During the past several years there have been significant scientific and technical advances related to the tokamak magnetic confinement scheme. These advances are summarized in the context of recent tokamak reactor studies which emphasize reduced size, higher power density, and enhanced plant reliability and maintainability relative to earlier tokamak reactor design studies. These include: dealing with the pulsed nature of the tokamak; increasing the feasibility of tokamak maintenance; developing a workable design for the blanket first-wall system; reducing the technological requirements for startup, heating, and particle control; and evolving a plan for implementation