PLASMA ENGINEERING ASPECTS OF LARGE TOKAMAK OPERATION

In this paper the plasma engineering aspects involved with the reliabl e and safe operation of present-day large tokamaks are described. Firs t a brief review of the underlying empirical and theoretical knowledge of equilibrium and stability of tokamak plasmas is given. Then some o f the recent experiments with disruption preventive actions are discus sed. Finally the state of the art in feedback control systems, real-ti me protection circuits, and the application of pulse scenarios is revi ewed.