Today, the tokamak has emerged as the leading approach to controlling nuclear fusion for the purpose of electrical power generation. As an important power system in experimental advanced superconducting tokamak (EAST), an advanced steady-state plasma physics experimental device, the lower hybrid current drive (LHCD) system provides a high-energy microwave for plasma heating and current drive. The microwave power is delivered to the plasma through the lower hybrid wave (LHW) antenna. In order to couple microwave energy to the plasma more efficiently, the antenna is exposed to the plasma. During the plasma operation, the LHW antenna will not only withstand the high thermal flux from the plasma but also the thermal stress owing to thermal loads. The temperature of the antenna has been analyzed using the numerical analysis method. At the same time, the thermal stresses and displacements due to thermal loads are also calculated using the finite element code. The paper is organized as follows: First, the structure of the LHW antenna is briefly described; the 3D model is given. Secondly, thermal loads and boundary conditions are shown and discussed. Finally, the temperature, thermal stresses and displacements are simulated. All the results of the simulation are presented and discussed. These could be useful for the development of the lower hybrid wave antenna.
Recent topics on fusion plasma heating. (II) Physics of lower hybrid wave heating and RF heating technology.
