Numerical calculation of Mercier beta limits in spheromaks

Journal Article · Wed Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1988 · Phys. Fluids; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.866674· OSTI ID:5182572

Mayo, R M; Marklin, G J

By iteratively solving the Grad--Shafranov equation and the Mercier criterion, stable pressure profiles may be determined self-consistently with spheromak equilibria. No assumption is made about the shape of the pressure profile and an individual determination is made for that value of the pressure that drives the plasma marginally stable everywhere. These limits determine the pressure profile that provides the largest <..beta..>/sub vol/ allowed by Mercier modes. Particular attention is given to the CTX spheromak (Phys. Rev. Lett. 51, 39 (1983)). The results on spheromak Mercier stability limits leading to <..beta..>/sub vol/ = 1.5% for sustained spheromaks are summarized. In addition, <..beta..>/sub vol/ = 7.0% has been calculated for spheromaks with current holes.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545
• OSTI ID: 5182572
• Journal Information: Phys. Fluids; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Fluids; (United States) Vol. 31:6; ISSN PFLDA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700101* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Confinement
Heating
&amp; Production
BETA RATIO
CLOSED PLASMA DEVICES
CONFINEMENT
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
EQUATIONS
EQUILIBRIUM
GRAD-SHAFRANOV EQUATION
ITERATIVE METHODS
MERCIER CRITERION
NUMERICAL SOLUTION
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
PLASMA
PLASMA CONFINEMENT
PLASMA PRESSURE
SPHEROMAK DEVICES
STABILITY
THERMONUCLEAR DEVICES
TOKAMAK DEVICES