Physics Department annual progress report 1 January - 31 December 1982

Research in the Physics Department at Risø National Laboratory covers three main fields: Condensed Natter Physics, Plasma Physics and Meteorology. The report is a progress report describing the principal activities in these fields for the period from 1 January to 31 December 1982. The condensed matters physics research is predominantly experimental utilising diffraction of neutrons, x-rays, and synchrotron x-ray radiation. The research topics range from studies of structure, excitations and phase transitions in model systems to studies of ion transport, texture and recrystallization kinetics with a more applied nature. The plasma physics reserch 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 propacation properties, instabilities, solitons turbulence, etc. The research and applied work within meteorology lies within micrometereology 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.