Alcator C-Mod Weekly Highlights
			November 16, 1998



Engineering:

The TF magnet was completed last week with the installation of the
first-to-last turn leg and all remaining spring plates.  The magnet
successfully passed a DC hi-pot to well over twice the maximum operating
voltage and a AC ringing test to similar voltages.  Following completion of
the magnet the retaining cylinder was installed.  Cylinder installation
was considerably more difficult than expected.  During past assemblies the
sliding joints on the arms and legs allowed some adjustment in radial
extent as the cylinder was installed.  Changes in spring plate pressure,
together with new arm shimming techniques reduced this radial compliance,
and each TF leg had to be adjusted individually during multiple fitups of the
cylinder.  This process has delayed reassembly by a few days.  Installation
of the cylinder is particularly important for vacuum work since horizontal
and vertical ports can not be installed until the cylinder is in place.

We have also made very good progress on other machine related systems.  We
have completed work on the inner central column cooling manifold with the
addition of new thermocouples to measure the TF core temperatures.  This
system will be ready for installation following LN2 thermal cycle tests.  We
have also begun a general cleanup and checkout of all the cryogenic systems.
The LN2 sump has been cleaned, the LN2 pump checked out, and the sump will
soon be sealed up ready for operation.  A great deal of work was also
completed on the new heater system cabling and interface boxes.  This change
will free up a large amount of area around the machine for diagnostic
installations, and also provide more reliable control of the the vessel heaters.

The power systems group continued checkouts of the magnet power
supplies last week.  Only the TF supply remains to be brought back
into operation.  We also continued work on a new I^2t protection
circuit for the TF magnet.

Development of the DNB and its diagnostics continued.  Pre-installation
benchmarking of CXRS optics, including the optical fibers, was completed
and the system is now ready for baking, in-vessel alignment, and
installation.  Ron Bravenec (UT-FRC) continued his visit to complete
modifications to the BES filter spectrometer.  Conditioning of the oil for
the accelerator supply continued after modifications that will insure
better circulation of the oil.  Work continued on the additional boards
required for the Mod/Reg.

Work on invessel components intensified last week as we prepare for
pumpdown.  Work on the divertor bypass flappers is now in the final assembly
phase.  The first set of parts received from PPPL for the new antenna
are undergoing a 3 day bake after an extensive cleanup effort.  We now
expect delivery of the remaining antenna parts early this week along with
PPPL personnel arriving to perform the installation.  Work continues on
modifications and additions to the horizontal ports, MHD coils, limiters,
tangential two-color interferometer mirror and retro-reflectors, and
the rangefinder.  The new bolometer box has been assembled and welded.


Travel and Visits:

Nearly all C-Mod scientists and most graduate students are attending the
APS DPP meeting in New Orleans this week.