Fusion Reactor Edge Physics

This lecture explores the physics at the edge of fusion devices, focusing on how to box up a star without melting the box. It delves into creating an earthbound star through nuclear fusion for electricity, the challenges of confining plasma with magnetic fields, and the construction of ITER, the largest fusion experiment. The instructor discusses the complexities of plasma-wall interactions, heat flux estimates, and the need for reliable predictions to optimize fusion reactor operation. The lecture emphasizes the multiscale challenge of modeling fusion plasma at the tokamak edge, code verification techniques, and advancements in turbulence physics understanding. By developing first-principles simulations and scaling laws, the goal is to provide a solid theoretical basis for edge physics and contribute to the realization of magnetic confinement fusion.