Dr. Shibabrat Naik
Assistant Professor of Applied Mathematics
Department of Mathematics and Center for Fusion Research and Training
Hampton University

Abstract

The stellarator fusion concept is currently experiencing a resurgence driven by the success of Wendelstein 7-X and recent computational breakthroughs in quasi-symmetric configurations. A critical hurdle for a viable reactor, however, remains the divertor—the system responsible for concentrating plasma particle exhaust on a region on the vacuum vessel around the plasma. While resonant island divertors are the current standard, they face significant operational challenges due to their sensitivity to magnetic field changes. In this seminar, I will introduce STAR_Lite, a new university-scale stellarator experimental facility at Hampton University. It is a flexible, cost-effective platform for the rapid prototyping and verifying optimized magnetic geometries, and testing an alternative plasma exhaust concept: the Non-Resonant Divertor (NRD). I will present the design, analysis, and engineering of the first coil configuration for STAR_Lite—a two-field-period, quasi-axisymmetric device that achieves robust plasma diversion using a NRD. A key feature of this design is its operational flexibility: by simply adjusting coil currents, the device can access a wide range of plasma configurations while maintaining the NRD. Our analysis will also demonstrate that the NRD structure remains resilient to both equilibrium changes and real-world manufacturing errors. In addition, I will present the on-going work on the engineering and experimental aspects of the device including coil manufacturing, placement, power supplies, and magnetic field diagnostics.

Biography

Shibabrat Naik joined Hampton University in September 2023 as a faculty member in the Department of Mathematics and as a member of the Center for Fusion Training and Research. His research interests are in theory and applications of nonlinear dynamics, chaos, computational science and engineering, and magnetic confinement of plasma. Along with collaborators and co-investigators, he has secured $1.46 million in research funding from DOE for training and developing a fusion workforce at Hampton University. Currently, he co-supervises a team of 10 undergraduate students from mathematics, engineering, and computer science. He obtained his Ph.D. in Engineering Mechanics from Virginia Tech and trained as a postdoctoral researcher in engineering at Drexel University and University of Pennsylvania, applied mathematics at University of Bristol and University of Warwick. His interdisciplinary research articles on nonlinear dynamical systems and computational science have appeared in Physical Review E, Nonlinearity, Royal Society’s PCCP, Chaos, Commun. Nonlinear Sci Numer. Simul.

Thursday, March 26. 2026
4:10 pm seminar

zoom link upon request