Numerical Investigation of Transients in the SSPX Spheromak
Journal Article
·
· Physical Review Letters
OSTI ID:15011815
Nonlinear simulations of plasma discharges in the Sustained Spheromak Physics Experiment demonstrate the role of transient effects in establishing a toroidal magnetic structure that confines internal energy. The magnetohydrodynamics-based model includes collisional anisotropic thermal energy transport and temperature-dependent electrical resistivity that are realistic for the open-field regions of the plasma. The modeling shows that while dynamo activity is responsible for generating net poloidal flux during the formation current pulse, it is insufficient to sustain the configuration during the quiescent phase. The second current pulse improves confinement by keeping the q-profile from falling significantly below the value of 1/2, thereby suppressing resonant m=1, n=2 magnetohydrodynamic activity. Direct comparisons of laboratory observations and simulation results validate essential aspects of the model.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab., Livermore, CA (US)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- US Department of Energy (US)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 15011815
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-JRNL-207307
- Journal Information:
- Physical Review Letters, Journal Name: Physical Review Letters Journal Issue: 28 Vol. 94; ISSN 0031-9007; ISSN PRLTAO
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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