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Title: Finite Larmor radius modification of the Mercier criterion

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6821877· OSTI ID:6821877

The finite Larmor radius modification of the Suydam criterion involves a competition between stabilizing finite Larmor radius effects and destabilizing curvature. In the case of the toroidal calculation, corresponding to the Mercier criterion, ballooning effects from regions of unfavorable curvature must be taken into account. In the case of a model equilibrium, valid near the magnetic axis, a complete solution is obtained. Results indicate that the amount of finite Larmor radius stabilization needed to overcome the effects of unfavorable average curvature increases as a function of the toroidal ballooning parameter.

Research Organization:
Princeton Plasma Physics Lab. (PPPL), Princeton, NJ (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-76CH03073
OSTI ID:
6821877
Report Number(s):
PPPL-2097; ON: DE84010934
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English