Fast, robust algorithm for computing stellarator coil shapes yields designs that are easier to build and maintain
Friday, April 28, 2017 - 06:31
in Physics & Chemistry
A stellarator is a device in which plasma can be confined at temperatures hotter than the core of the sun, using magnetic fields from carefully shaped electromagnetic coils. Scientists modified the mathematical optimization problem used to compute the coil shapes. They increased the space between coils. Increasing the space smooths the coils' sharp bends, while preserving the speed and reliability of the previous method.