Self-consistent field error effects in reversed field pinch plasmas

Technical Report · Sun Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1990

OSTI ID:5816574

Sidikman, K L

This work concerns magnetic field perturbations induced inside a reversed field pinch (RFP) plasma by field errors at the plasma edge. Such perturbations can have an important effect on the plasma behavior. Some of the key features of the RFP depend upon an edge region of reversed toroidal field. Perturbations with poloidal mode number (m) equal to zero resonate with the plasma at the field reversal point and threaten to disrupt this region. Perturbations with m = 1 can influence the instabilities that play a role in maintaining the RFP state. In assessing these effects, it must be remembered that interaction with the plasma can also alter the perturbations. Thus, the plasma-perturbation interaction should be calculated self-consistently. Such a calculation was undertaken, combining a field error model with a model of the RFP equilibrium and allowing their interaction to be computed via the three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic equations. Realistic plasma features, such as a partially-relaxed equilibrium, were incorporated. In addition, the use of a set of dynamical equations allowed perturbed flow and finite resistivity ({eta}) and viscosity ({nu}{sub 0}) to come into play. It is shown that all of these have measurable effects.

• Research Organization: Wisconsin Univ., Madison, WI (USA). Plasma Physics Research
• Sponsoring Organization: DOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: FG02-85ER53212
• OSTI ID: 5816574
• Report Number(s): DOE/ER/53212-157; ON: DE91011426
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700202* -- Fusion Power Plant Technology-- Magnet Coils & Fields
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
EQUATIONS
EQUILIBRIUM
ERRORS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAXWELL EQUATIONS
MHD EQUILIBRIUM
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
PERTURBATION THEORY
PINCH EFFECT
REVERSE-FIELD PINCH
SELF-CONSISTENT FIELD
SIMULATION