Physics Department annual progress report 1 January - 31 December 1983

Research in the Physics Department at Risø National Laboratory covers three main fields: Condensed Hatter Physics, Plasma Physics and Meteorology. Thi» report is a progress report describing the principal activities in these fields for the period from 1 January to 31 December 1983. The condensed matters physics research is predcninantly experimental utilising diffraction of neutrons and x-rays.

The research topics range from studies of structure, excitations and phase transitions in model systems to studies of ion transport, texture and decrystallization kinetics wita a more applied nature. The plasma physics research is partly experimental and partly theoretical. A study of pellet-plasma interaction is of applied nature and aimed at assessing the possibilities of refuelling a fusion reactor by shooting deuterium-tritium pellets into the plasma.

A study of the fundamental physics of plasmas deals with investigations of wave propagation properties, instabilities, solitons, turbulence, etc. The research and applied work within meteorology lies within micrometeorology and the subjects range from surface energy balance studies, over studies of the general structure of atmospheric coherence and boundary layer response to change in surface elevation, to specific studies of turbulent dispersion and deposition of airborne material.

As part of the applied work within meteorology and wind energy, the test station for small windmills tests and licences windmills for the Danish market and offers consulting assistance for the Danish windmill manufacturers.