Problems of a thermonuclear reactor with a rotating plasma

The authors consider the physical problems involved in the design of a thermonuclear reactor with a rotating plasma. Detailed consideration is given to a version of the reactor in which the plasma is stabilized mainly by radial variation of the rate of rotation of the plasma (electric shear). Such aspects as the heating, longitudinal confinement, stability and equilibrium of the plasma as well as the problem of impurities are considered and a calculation of the reactor's efficiency is made. The authors discuss the engineering problems of the creation of a high-intensity radial electric field in the plasma and describe a modification of this type of reactor – a system without magnetic mirrors (a 'centrifugal trap').