Alcator C-Mod Run 1040127 Information

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Miniproposals
Miniproposal:362
Date Filed:11/12/2003
Title:Shaping and Control Development for high elongation, high I
First Author:Steve Wolfe
Session Leader:Steve Wolfe (shots 1-10)

Operators
Session leader(s):Steve Wolfe
Physics operator(s):Jim Irby
Engineering operator(s):Bill Cochran

Engineering Operator Run Comment
MP# 362 ITER Shape development and MP#381 JFT2 Shape development Wolfe/

Session Leader Plans

Physics Operators Plans

Session Leader Summaries
Entered: Jul 7 2004 03:49:02:460PM
Author: Steve Wolfe
Run Summary for Tuesday Jan 27, 2004

MP#362 ITER Shape Development
SL: Wolfe
PO: Irby
EO: Cochran

Run Plan
--------


The goal of this MP is to develop a discharge in the ITER shape,
kappa=1.85,delta_x=0.49, with the ITER field of 5.3T and q_95=3, which
corresponds to I=1.6MA and to an I_n=I/aB=1.4. The last time we tried this
experiment, 1031126, we established the shape and on shot 28 got to the target
current of 1.6MA, with I_N=1.4, kappa=1.84, deltax=0.5; actual q_95 was 2.9
rather than 3, so the shape wasn't exact. N/N_Crit on this discharge was 1.05.
However, we did not get this discharge to run full length, though the
disruption in this case was not a VDE. Later analysis indicated that we had
actually run into a locked mode, perhaps because of the 1/1 error field
component.

We will start from shot 1031126028 (but with power system limits raised as on
1031126029). Things that need to be tried include:
1) get rid of locked mode by varying
a) density (higher, but we're pushing the flux swing as it is)
b) A-coil current (probably lower, if it's really the 1/1; try both directions).
2) Tweak the fast and slow ZCUR gains to get the chopper amplitude
down while still avoiding VDE's
3) If it looks like we're getting into trouble with q=3, raise Bt a little to
get us up to q95~3.2.


This part of the run is expected to take about half a day. In any case, we
will turn over to the second MP no later than 13:30.

Results:
-------

We got very little progress on the MP. The run was terminated after a leak
occurred following shot #10, presumably because of all the disruptions. All
shots disrupted, with pulse lengths between 0.6 and 1.15sec. Some disruptions
were clearly related to locked modes, and some were clearly vertical
instabilities. We scanned the acoil current demand from 1500A to 3500A (from
the initial setting of 2500A). Higher acoil current appeared to delay the
locked mode onset, which implies that the previous interpretation of the
locked mode as being due to the 1/1 sideband was incorrect. We took one step
on the fast derivative gain, down from 1.2 to 1.0 on D10. This may have
helped; it cetainly did not seem to hurt. However, the chopper was still
bouncing off the floor. For shot #11 we had loaded the first change on the
slow ZCUR (from 0.7 to 1.5 on both D and P gains, corresponding to the old
settings from the Horne/Tinios high kappa run), but the leak prevented us from
taking that shot.

The leak was located at the B-top fill line. Some baffles around E-top need to
be removed to access and repair it.


Physics Operator Summaries
Entered: Jul 7 2004 04:36:48:710PM
Author: Jim Irby
Engineering setup for Tues. 1/27/2004

MP#362 ITER Shape development (1/2 day)
MP#381 JFT2-M Shape development (1/2 day)
SL: Wolfe (first half)
Hubbard (2nd half)
PO: Irby

ECDC Overnight in D2, stopping by 07:00
60C Bake (optional, check with Irby and/or Bill Burke)

Run Begins at 09:00 and ends at 17:00

Power system setup for first half as on 1031126029
Power system setup for second half as on 1031212011

Gas setup:
fill B-Top with 6 psi D2 Hybrid enabled (PG4)
fill B-side lower with 1 psi Ar Hybrid enabled (PG1)
leave B-side upper as is Hybrid DISABLED (PG2)
fill C-side with 30 psi D2 Hybrid enabled (PG3)
fill NINJA (lower cap) with 6psi Helium

Gate valve permissives for the usual suspectsd (ECE,VUV,DNB) assuming no
vacuum problems

RF: NONE

--------------------------------------------------------

Run plan for first half of Tuesday, 1/27/2004
MP#362 ITER shape development

EO: Cochran
SL: Wolfe
PO: Irby

Plan
-----

The goal of this MP is to develop a discharge in the ITER shape,
kappa=1.85,delta_x=0.49, with the ITER field of 5.3T and q_95=3, which
corresponds to I=1.6MA and to an I_n=I/aB=1.4. The last time we tried
this experiment, 1031126, we established the shape and on shot 28 got
to the target current of 1.6MA, with I_N=1.4, kappa=1.84, deltax=0.5;
actual q_95 was 2.9 rather than 3, so the shape wasn't exact. N/N_Crit
on this discharge was 1.05. However, we did not get this discharge to
run full length, though the disruption in this case was not a
VDE. Later analysis indicated that we had actually run into a locked
mode, perhaps because of the 1/1 error field component.

We will start from shot 1031126028 (but with power system limits raised as on
1031126029). Startup should be from a recent shot (e.g. 1040123xxx)
Things that need to be tried include:
1) get rid of locked mode by varying
a) density (higher, but we're pushing the flux swing as it is)
b) A-coil current (probably lower, if it's really the 1/1; try both
directions).
2) Tweak the fast and slow ZCUR gains to get the chopper amplitude
down while still avoiding VDE's
3) If it looks like we're getting into trouble with q=3, raise Bt a little to
get us up to q95~3.2.

Halo currents and stress warnings need to be monitored, as these shots
had some very hard disruptions the first time around.

This part of the run is expected to take about half a day. In any
case, we will turn over to the second MP no later than 13:30.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Run Plan for 1040127 B: MP 381 Shape development for joint EDA experiments
with JFT2M.

Purpose: To start the process of shape development for future matching
experiments with JFT2M. Goal is to match triangularity and
elongation. It is possible that we will be able to start increasing
the aspect ratio, though this is likely to require more shots. This
will be an ohmic run, since RF is being reconfigured this week.

Starting point: Load waveforms from 1031212011 (ITB delta scan). This
shot had delta_u=0.3, and delta_l=0.7, not too far from where we want
to go.

For first shot, raise Bt to 5.0 T, and Ip to 1.0 MA.

For subsequent shots we will want to:
- reduce kappa to (or towards) 1.5 (from 1.67)
- increase delta_l to 0.87
- reduce delta_u to 0.2
- adjust Ip to give q95=3.2

A shape sent by JFT2M will be used for shot-to-shot comparison (see
saveset in /home/wolfe/efit/test/jft2m_97156_00700.sav )

If things go really well and we achieve this, go further and attempt
to increase aspect ratio (ie make a very big inner gap) as per MP.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Summary
-------

We had disruptions on all plasma shots today, several at the halo
warning level (Bt*Ih > 1500 T-kA). Fizzles on shot 7, 8, and 9 were
probably the result of the disruptions, though a 0.0005 mT tweak in
Br0 resulted in a plasma on shot 10. Plasma was rather dirty with
Zeff > 2. We would have raised the density had we time.

Shot 01 was a data system test.


Problems
--------

Had one data system hang, but Josh recovered all the data

Unfortunately, shot 10 was the last shot of the day, since we
developed a leak on the b-top gas feed line between the piezo and the
manual emergency valve. Machine basepressure was at 1.3e-3 Torr for a
couple of hours, and up to 220e-3 Torr briefly as we installed the
leakdetector.


Score
-----

duds

fizzles 07,08,09

plasmas 02,03,04,05,06,10

tests 01

Session Leader Comments
Jan 27 2004 08:33:51:390AM1040127001Steve WolfeShot#1: Data system test
Jan 27 2004 09:17:42:200AM1040127002Steve WolfeShot#2: Disrupts at 0.668sec (original was at 1.17)
Looks like a vertical problem. oscillation starts at 0.6sec

next shot: try dropping D10 from 1.2->1.0
Jan 27 2004 09:39:04:433AM1040127003Steve WolfeShot#3: try dropping D10 from 1.2->1.0
lasted to 1.025sec, might be a locked mode.
It does go to a VDE though.

next shot: Drop Acoil current from 2500->1500
Jan 27 2004 09:52:28:127AM1040127004Steve WolfeShot#4: Drop Acoil current from 2500->1500
disrupts at 0.75sec ; no VDE, goes up a little.
Very clear locked mode starting at 0.669.
Got Acoil current of 1000 for program of 1500.

next shot: raise Acoil current to 3000.
Jan 27 2004 10:18:11:903AM1040127005Steve WolfeShot#5: raise Acoil current to 3000.
Disrupts at .758. Downward going VDE with no precursor.
got 2700A on Acoil.
This one went into H-mode. Lots of runaways early.

next shot: raise pre-puff to try to suppress runaways
Jan 27 2004 10:30:10:740AM1040127006Steve WolfeShot#6: raise pre-puff to try to suppress runaways
plasma to .94sec, H-mode at .69 to .80
looks like a locked mode starts at .91 or .92sec
not much of a vde, going up. runaways better, still around.

next shot: raise acoil demand to 3500
Jan 27 2004 10:37:38:030AM1040127007Steve WolfeShot#7: raise acoil demand to 3500
fizzle.

next shot: try again at 3500 demand to acoil
Jan 27 2004 10:55:48:937AM1040127008Steve WolfeShot#8: try again at 3500 demand to acoil

another fizzle. No data coming up.
Josh is working on it.
Jan 27 2004 11:19:58:637AM1040127009Steve WolfeShot#9: try again at 3500 demand to acoil

another fizzle. Pg4 is back to where it was on shot 5.


next shot: drop br0
Jan 27 2004 11:35:39:500AM1040127010Steve WolfeShot#10: try again at 3500 demand to acoil

plasma to 1.15sec, longest yet.
Vertical oscillation, down then up.
runaways again. and an H-mode at .7 to .8 sec
start to lose slow zcur at 1.126
n/nc=1.1, elong=1.86

next shot: raise D2 and P2 from 0.7 to 1.5


Jan 27 2004 12:08:16:943PM1040127010Steve WolfeShot#10: try again at 3500 demand to acoil

plasma to 1.15sec, longest yet.
Vertical oscillation, down then up.
runaways again. and an H-mode at .7 to .8 sec
start to lose slow zcur at 1.126
n/nc=1.1, elong=1.86

next shot: raise D2 and P2 from 0.7 to 1.5
Unless we have a leak.

Which there is. Torus pressure is at 1mTorr
Leak Checking is in progress.
Jan 27 2004 01:34:31:210PM1040127010Steve WolfeThe leak has been located at B-top gas feed. Repairs in progress.
Run terminated for today.

Physics Operator Comments
Jan 27 2004 07:46:11:457AMJim IrbyRun plan for first half of Tuesday, 1/27/2004
MP#362 ITER shape development

EO: Cochran
SL: Wolfe
PO: Irby

Plan
-----

The goal of this MP is to develop a discharge in the ITER shape,
kappa=1.85,delta_x=0.49, with the ITER field of 5.3T and q_95=3, which
corresponds to I=1.6MA and to an I_n=I/aB=1.4. The last time we tried
this experiment, 1031126, we established the shape and on shot 28 got
to the target current of 1.6MA, with I_N=1.4, kappa=1.84, deltax=0.5;
actual q_95 was 2.9 rather than 3, so the shape wasn't exact. N/N_Crit
on this discharge was 1.05. However, we did not get this discharge to
run full length, though the disruption in this case was not a
VDE. Later analysis indicated that we had actually run into a locked
mode, perhaps because of the 1/1 error field component.

We will start from shot 1031126028 (but with power system limits raised as on
1031126029). Startup should be from a recent shot (e.g. 1040123xxx)
Things that need to be tried include:
1) get rid of locked mode by varying
a) density (higher, but we're pushing the flux swing as it is)
b) A-coil current (probably lower, if it's really the 1/1; try both
directions).
2) Tweak the fast and slow ZCUR gains to get the chopper amplitude
down while still avoiding VDE's
3) If it looks like we're getting into trouble with q=3, raise Bt a little to
get us up to q95~3.2.

Halo currents and stress warnings need to be monitored, as these shots
had some very hard disruptions the first time around.

This part of the run is expected to take about half a day. In any
case, we will turn over to the second MP no later than 13:30.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Run Plan for 1040127 B: MP 381 Shape development for joint EDA experiments
with JFT2M.

Purpose: To start the process of shape development for future matching
experiments with JFT2M. Goal is to match triangularity and
elongation. It is possible that we will be able to start increasing
the aspect ratio, though this is likely to require more shots. This
will be an ohmic run, since RF is being reconfigured this week.

Starting point: Load waveforms from 1031212011 (ITB delta scan). This
shot had delta_u=0.3, and delta_l=0.7, not too far from where we want
to go.

For first shot, raise Bt to 5.0 T, and Ip to 1.0 MA.

For subsequent shots we will want to:
- reduce kappa to (or towards) 1.5 (from 1.67)
- increase delta_l to 0.87
- reduce delta_u to 0.2
- adjust Ip to give q95=3.2

A shape sent by JFT2M will be used for shot-to-shot comparison (see
saveset in /home/wolfe/efit/test/jft2m_97156_00700.sav )

If things go really well and we achieve this, go further and attempt
to increase aspect ratio (ie make a very big inner gap) as per MP.
Jan 27 2004 08:43:33:600AM1040127001Jim IrbyLoaded shot 1031126028 into seg 2 --- SNL 1.6 MA
Loaded shot 1040123021 into seg 1 --- 15 ms gas puff

Data system cycle test: looks okay
Jan 27 2004 09:17:41:623AM1040127002Jim IrbyDisruption at 0.688 seconds

Ip was 1.59 MA at disruption



Jan 27 2004 09:39:57:573AM1040127003Jim IrbyLost RGA on shot 01

Dropped derivitative gain on fast ZCUR from 1.2 to 1.0

disruption at 1.01 s

should have gotten halos warning for the last two shots


Jan 27 2004 09:53:01:940AM1040127004Jim Irbyreduced a-coil current from 2500 to 1500 amps

disruption at 0.74 s --- not getting better

Jan 27 2004 10:12:29:457AM1040127005Jim IrbyA-Coil current from 1500 to 3000 A.

disruption at 0.76 s

Jan 27 2004 10:26:21:037AM1040127006Jim Irbypg4 to 16 ms from 15 ms to help with runaway problem

disruption at 0.94 s

neuts_hards down to 3e12 from 60e12


Jan 27 2004 10:38:54:323AM1040127007Jim Irbypg4 to 17 ms from 16 ms (improve runaways a little more)

A-Coils from 3000 to 3500 A

fizzle --- too much gas?

Jan 27 2004 11:02:44:883AM1040127008Jim Irbydropped gas back to 16 ms

fizzle we think --- data system problem
Jan 27 2004 11:19:54:310AM1040127009Jim Irbypg4 to 15 ms

Earl noted that Zeff was high on last few shots --- will try raising density soon

fizzle ----

Jan 27 2004 12:50:00:980PM1040127010Jim Irbybr0 from +0.0005 to 0.0000

disruption at 1.16 s

got runaways back

lost vacuum after/during this shot ---- went to 1.3e-3 Torr a few minutes
after the shot. Had a jump to 220e-3 Torr for a couple of minutes when
the leakdetector was installed.



Engineering Operator Comments
ShotTimeTypeStatusComment
108:30:50:783AMTestOkSHOT CYCLE TEST
209:07:22:380AMPlasmaOk
309:27:39:067AMPlasmaOk
409:43:50:007AMPlasmaOk
510:01:16:090AMPlasmaOk
610:20:50:603AMPlasmaOk
710:34:21:690AMPlasmaOk
810:47:55:113AMPlasmaOk
911:11:23:690AMPlasmaOk
1011:24:36:633AMPlasmaOk