Evaluation of different burn control methods for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor

A 0-D time-dependent particle and power balance code has been developed and used to evaluate the effectiveness of different methods of controlling thermally unstable ignited and subignited operating points of the physics phase ITER machine. Based on the results of calculations, the authors conclude that operating the ITER at thermally unstable operating points is physically and technologically feasible. Auxiliary power modulation is recommended as the primary control method for high-Q subignited operation, and fueling modulation is recommended for the control of unstable ignited points, of edge-region phenomena on the dynamics and controllability of a burning plasma are also addressed.<>