Current status of research on magnetic confinement fusion and superconducting tokamak devices
Zhouyu Wang
Abstract
Superconducting tokamaks have garnered significant research and interest in the quest for harnessing nuclear fusion energy. They are considered one of the most promising devices for achieving this goal. After more than half a century of dedicated efforts, a group of international researchers has successfully constructed and operated a batch of tokamak devices, resulting in significant achievements in magnetic confinement fusion research. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the development of tokamak devices and magnetic confinement fusion. Firstly, the principles, main research directions and prospects of magnetic confinement fusion are introduced. It then reviews the construction and operation of major devices in the international context, including the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), and describes the purpose and main contributions of their construction, and analyses the latest research results and development trends in this field from the perspective of experimental research progress. The current challenges and future directions of superconducting tokamak devices are also discussed. The review will provide a comprehensive and systematic introduction and reference for researchers and engineers in related fields.