Simulating fusion alpha heating in a stellarator reactor

Gyrocenter following simulations of fusion born alpha particles in a stellarator reactor are preformed using the BEAMS3D code. The Wendelstein 7-X high mirror configuration is scaled in geometry and magnetic field to reactor relevant parameters. A 2x10(20) m(-3) density plasma with 20 keV core temperatures is assumed and fusion birth rates calculated for various fusion products assuming a 50/50 deuterium-tritium mixture. It is found that energetic He-4 ions comprise the vast majority of the energetic particle inventory. Slowing down simulations of the He-4 population suggest plasma heating consistent with scaled energy confinement times for a stellarator reactor. Losses for this configuration appear large suggesting optimization beyond the scope of the W7-X device is key to a future fusion reactor. These first simulations are designed to demonstrate the capability of the BEAMS3D code to provide fusion alpha birth and heating profiles for stellarator reactor designs.