Compact torus
The objective of the compact torus approach is to provide toroidal magnetic-field configurations that are based primarily on plasma currents and can be freed from closely surrounding mechanical structures. Some familiar examples are the current-carrying plasma rings of reversed-field theta pinches and relativistic-electron smoke ring experiments. The spheromak concept adds an internal toroidal magnetic field component, in order to enhance MHD stability. In recent experiments, three different approaches have been used to generate spheromak plasmas: (1) the reversed-field theta pinch; (2) the coaxial plasma gun; (3) a new quasi-static method, based on the initial formation of a toroidal plasma sleeve around a mechanical ring that generates poloidal and toroidal fluxes, followed by field-line reconnection to form a detached spheromak plasma. The theoretical and experimental MHD stability results for the spheromak configuration are found to have common features.
- Research Organization:
- Princeton Plasma Physics Lab. (PPPL), Princeton, NJ (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AM02-76CH03073
- OSTI ID:
- 6813680
- Report Number(s):
- PPPL-1716; TRN: 81-000713
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Compact torus experiments and theory
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Related Subjects
SPHEROMAK DEVICES
REVIEWS
ELECTRON RINGS
PLASMA MACROINSTABILITIES
REVERSE-FIELD PINCH
THETA PINCH
TOROIDAL CONFIGURATION
ANNULAR SPACE
CLOSED PLASMA DEVICES
CONFIGURATION
DOCUMENT TYPES
INSTABILITY
PINCH EFFECT
PLASMA INSTABILITY
SPACE
THERMONUCLEAR DEVICES
TOKAMAK DEVICES
700200* - Fusion Energy- Fusion Power Plant Technology