MHD Stability and Operational Limits

This lecture covers the MHD stability of tokamak configurations, including conceptual examples of instabilities, linear stability analysis, waves in ideal MHD, and operational limits in tokamak plasmas. The instructor explains the importance of understanding the stability of MHD equilibrium and the necessary conditions for plasma confinement. Various instabilities such as sausage and kink instabilities are discussed, along with their impact on plasma confinement. The lecture also delves into the operational limits of modern fusion devices, including factors like plasma current, plasma density, and plasma pressure. The concept of disruption in tokamaks is explored, highlighting the rapid loss of plasma energy and the potential damage to components.