Alcator C-Mod Weekly Highlights
                 April 6, 2009
                   

FY2009 weeks of research operations:
  Target: TBD
  Completed:  0 weeks


Physics
-------

Yijun Lin has developed a simple momentum transport model to simulate
the temporal evolution of the toroidal velocity profile during mode
conversion flow drive experiments. By assuming a constant diffusion in
space and time, and a driving force proportional to the ICRF power
deposition profile by the mode converted ion cyclotron wave, one can
approximately reproduce the measured velocity profiles. This modeling
analysis can also provide an estimate of the total flow drive effective
torque.


Operations
----------

Installation of EF and OH curved bus components was completed last week.
We are now working to insulate these components and complete the
flexible connections between the bus and the magnet coaxes.  The
stainless steel liquid nitrogen cooled panel that helps cool the upper
dome has been installed, and we have continued installation of the upper
liquid nitrogen cooling lines.  EF and TF bus connection torques have
been successfully checked.  Vacuum vessel port extension vacuum surfaces
and mating flange surfaces are being polished in preparation for
installation of the flanges.


Lower Hybrid System
-------------------

Sixteen of 64 front waveguides needed for the new launcher have been
fabricated and are being prepared for the brazing process used to
install the vacuum windows.  The last five of the sixteen 4-way
splitters and associated cover plates have been sent out to be welded.
Work continued on the control system upgrade, high power testing
program, and procurement of components needed for the launcher
transmission line system.


ICRF Systems
------------

The design of the Master Fault Processor Mezzanine board has been
finalized.  This board is part of the ICRF control system upgrade and
uses peripheral interface controller chips (PICs) to replace much of the
hardwired logic used in earlier designs.  Work continued preparing
FMIT#3 for use in the rf breakdown experiments.


Travel and Visits
-----------------

Paul Bonoli and John Rice attended the Integrated Operation Scenarios
(IOS) and Transport and Confinement (TC) ITPA meetings in Naka, Japan
the week of March 31.  Chuck Kessel, PPPL, also attended the ITPA IOS
meeting, and presented a summary of C-Mod contributions to Joint
Experiments and plans for participation during the upcoming C-Mod
experimental campaign.

Stewart Zweben was at MIT last week to help prepare the upgraded fiber
bundles for the gas puff imaging diagnostic, and to discuss ideas for
the C-Mod Ideas Forum.

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