Disruption Avoidance in the Frascati Tokamak Upgrade by Means of Magnetohydrodynamic Mode Stabilization Using Electron-Cyclotron-Resonance Heating

Disruption avoidance by stabilization of MHD modes through injection of ECRH at different radial locations is reported. Disruptions have been induced in the FTU (Frascati Tokamak Upgrade) deuterium plasmas by Mo injection or by exceeding the density limit (D gas puffing). ECRH is triggered when the Vloop exceeds a preset threshold value. Coupling between MHD modes (m/n=3/2, 2/1, 3/1) occurs before disruption. Direct heating of one coupled mode is sufficient to avoid disruptions, while heating close to the mode leads to disruption delay. These results could be relevant for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor tokamak operation.