The student should acquire a basic knowledge of the physics of a magnetic fusion reactor. After the course, they should be able to: - Sketch the energy, mass and momentum balance for a fusion reactor - Understand the general properties of matter in the state of plasma, and know what additional peculiarities characterize plasma in a fusion environment - Understand the basic mechanisms of magnetic plasma confinement (both from the single particle orbit theory point of view and using the collective fluid description) - Understand the properties of mechanical equilibrium in a magnetically confined plasma - Understand the main mechanisms governing interaction with the fusion plasma and the external world - Understand the basic physics of particles and power exhaust in a fusion reactor and their critical importance for the overall machine For all the topics mentioned above, the students should also be able to produce simple numerical estimates, and to start proficient interaction with the relevant scientific community in case he/she develops interest for the subject.

The essential pre-requisite of the course is a good knowledge of the topics presented in the first two years of any Engineering BSc program. An introduction to nuclear engineering (like that provided, e.g., in the course “Elementi di ingegneria nucleare”) could be helpful, but is not mandatory.

* General introduction * Estimate of the parameters characterizing a possible fusion reactor * definition of a plasma: Debye length, plasma frequency, quasi-neutrality * motion of a single charged particle in the electromagnetic field * MHD equilibrium and stability * collisions in a plasma * particle and energy transport * performance of present tokamaks vs future reactors * plasma heating * Debye sheath and Bohm criterion; impurities; Scrape-Off Layer, 2-point model * Physics of power exhaust * Impurities physics * Practical experience of small tokamak plasma operation (GOLEM)

The teacher will try to organize a limited number of lectures/seminars given by external experts on selected topics. The detailed schedule and subject of these contributions will depend on the availability of the potential contributors. The teacher will broadcast complete information during the lecturing term as soon as possible.

The course will consist of theoretical lectures and of the practical solution of simple numerical problems. The students will also have the opportunity to perform an experimental session on GOLEM, a small tokamak operated in collaboration with the Czech Technical University in Prague.

Reference textbooks • J.P. Freidberg, Plasma Physics and Fusion Energy, Cambridge University Press, 2007 • Peter C. Stangeby, The Plasma Boundary of Magnetic Fusion Devices, Institute of Physics Publishing, 2000 The teacher will also distribute a few notes in support to the reference textbooks.

Exam: Optional oral exam; Paper-based written test with video surveillance of the teaching staff; Group project;

In case of online exam the same grading criteria as for the in person test apply, with the following modifications: - For the written test the teacher will create a dedicate Virtual Classroom he will use to communicate with candidates (chat) during the exam and to monitor the candidates by checking their webcams (which will be required to stay open). As a backup communication tool, the day before the exam the teacher will create a dedicated telegram group and distribute the invitation link to the candidates. Also, the teacher will provide a dedicated cloud folder shared with the students to facilitate distributing the exam test and collecting the candidates work. This will be created the day before the exam at the latest, and proper indication on how to access it will be distributed. - For the oral test, the candidates and the examination board will agree on a remote meeting tool. Microsoft teams will be preferred, but others might be selected if necessary. The oral discussion will be recorded.

Exam: Written test; Optional oral exam; Computer-based written test using the PoliTo platform; Group project;

In case of online exam the same grading criteria as for the in person test apply, with the following modifications: the candidates available in person will follow the traditional procedure, for those available online the procedure described above applies. Candidates will be required to inform the teacher if they intend to attend the exam in person or online, in order to allow the creation of the needed cloud folder and the distribution of the telegram invitation link.