Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC)
Glossary term: Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC)
01 Definition
02 Detailed_Analysis
A compact toroidal plasma confinement scheme in which the poloidal magnetic field is reversed relative to the external field, creating a self-contained, high-beta plasma torus. FRCs are translateable and ideal for both fusion energy and propulsion. A compact toroidal plasma confinement scheme in which the poloidal magnetic field is reversed relative to the external field, creating a self-contained, high-beta plasma torus. FRCs are translateable and ideal for both fusion energy and propulsion.
03 Key_Facts
- ▸ A compact toroidal plasma confinement scheme in which the poloidal magnetic field is reversed relative to the external field, creating a self-contained, high-beta plasma torus
- ▸ FRCs are translateable and ideal for both fusion energy and propulsion
- ▸ Role: Glossary term: Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC)
- ▸ Related Concepts: Compact Toroid, Theta Pinch, Beta, Trapped Flux, FRX, FRCHX
04 Deep_Dive_Intelligence
Overview
A compact toroidal plasma confinement scheme in which the poloidal magnetic field is reversed relative to the external field, creating a self-contained, high-beta plasma torus. FRCs are translateable and ideal for both fusion energy and propulsion.
Role: Glossary term: Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC)
Entity Type: Concept — Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC) is a technical concept or theoretical framework.
Technical Definition
A compact toroidal plasma confinement scheme in which the poloidal magnetic field is reversed relative to the external field, creating a self-contained, high-beta plasma torus. FRCs are translateable and ideal for both fusion energy and propulsion.
Related Concepts: Compact Toroid, Theta Pinch, Beta, Trapped Flux, FRX, FRCHX
06 Related_Terms (4)
07 Related_Entities (12)
08 Timeline_Mentions (10)
Project Sherwood established
The U.S. AEC's classified controlled-fusion program begins at LANL and partner labs.
historical-contextChristofilos begins Astron experiment at LLNL
Greek engineer starts E-layer field reversal concept. Earliest compact torus conception. Presented at 1958 Geneva.
historical-contextOperation Hardtack I
U.S. high-altitude nuclear tests provide empirical data on high-beta plasma stability and diamagnetic cavity formation in the Earth's magnetic field.
defense-programsChristofilos Astron experiment at LLNL
The Astron experiment established the field-reversed configuration geometry that prefigured modern FRC research.
historical-contextStarfish Prime Nuclear Test
A 1.4-megaton detonation at 400km altitude creates a massive high-beta plasma fireball, demonstrating stable macroscopic plasma structures on a geophysical scale.
defense-programsFirst Formal Documentation of FRC Topology
H.A.B. Bodin publishes a paper in Nuclear Fusion describing 'reversed field loops' within a theta-pinch, providing physical evidence of the FRC state.
fusion-physicsInertial-Confinement Flux-Trapping Model Proposed
T.S. Green and A.A. Newton propose that magnetic flux is lost via rapid convection at the radial Alfvén speed, a foundational theory for FRC formation.
fusion-physicsDiscovery of FRC Anomalous Stability
Experiments at LANL discover that Field-Reversed Configurations (FRCs) are significantly more stable than predicted by MHD theory.
fusion-physicsAstron experiment funding cancelled at LLNL
16-year project ends without achieving field reversal. Compact torus concept disperses to spheromak and FRC research.
historical-contextChristofilos Astron experiment cancelled at LLNL
17-year Astron project ends. Field reversal concept disperses to LANL (FRC) and LLNL/PPPL (spheromak).
historical-context09 FAQ
What is Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC)? ▾
Why does Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC) matter? ▾
How does Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC) relate to other concepts? ▾
When did Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC) appear in the research timeline? ▾
Which entities are associated with Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC)? ▾
Is there a detailed dossier for Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC)? ▾
Quick_Facts
- Category
- Fusion Physics
- Aliases
- Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC), field-reversed-configuration-frc, FRC, frc
- Sources
- 8
- Related Terms
- 4
- Graph Entities
- 12
- Timeline Events
- 10