Overview of university-class Tokamak TRUST: Preliminary characterization of plasma scenario and disruption studies

TRUST (Tuscia Research University Small Tokamak) is a new University-scale tokamak currently under design at the University of Tuscia (UNITUS). This paper gives an overview of the TRUST conceptual design, for a first stage of operation to achieve the target single null plasma configuration with the following main parameters: R₀ = 0.3 m, A = 2.5, I_pla = 0.110 MA, B_t = 0.8 T, q₉₅ = 3.2. One of the main aims of this experiment is to realise a flexible and low-cost university-class experiment, to train the next generation of fusion engineers and physicists ready to study the power exhaust issues on a long-time scale, according to the scientific program of EU-DEMO and DTT proposals. The system is designed to allow easy replacement of the plasma facing components and testing innovative technologies (i.e., meta-materials) including a feasible upgrade of the poloidal field coils with high temperature superconductors (HTS) working at 77 K. Moreover, TRUST Alternative Magnetic Layout (AML) conceptual design will be explained including the proposed solution for the assembly/disassembly phases. Three distinct plasma configurations for future TRUST operations are foreseen: Single Null (SN), Double Null (DN), and Upper Single Null (USN). Detailed analyses are presented for each plasma scenario, with a particular focus on optimizing active coil currents during characteristic pulse phases to achieve the desired magnetic field configuration with suitable plasma parameters. A preliminary estimation of the thermal loads and plasma temperatures at the first wall and divertor has been made from EM scenario analysis, together with a first analysis on TRUST vertical stability. Additionally, a preliminary plasma disruption database is presented, comprising a collection of EM numerical simulations covering various plasma dynamic conditions within the operational space.