Electron and ion heating in a high-voltage toroidal theta pinch with parallel or antiparallel bias fields

Journal Article · Tue Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1981 · Phys. Fluids; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.863318· OSTI ID:5926938

Merlino, R L; Goldenbaum, G C; Chin-Fatt, C; Chong, Y P; DeSilva, A W; Griem, H R; Hess, R A; Murphy, D P

Rapid heating of electrons and ions has been observed in a high-voltage toroidal theta pinch with initial bias fields either parallel or antiparallel to the fast rising toroidal field. The elimination of rapid end losses has permitted higher electron temperatures to be attained. In contrast to the results of linear theta pinches in which T/sub e/< or approx. =0.3 T/sub i/, it is now found that T/sub e/approx.T/sub i/. The ion heating is similar to that observed in the linear case indicating that the effective microinstability heating process is maintained in a toroidal system. Higher temperatures were observed with antiparallel bias fields, but in both cases superthermal electron populations were observed indicating that the turbulent heating process involves electron tail formation.

• Research Organization: Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742
• OSTI ID: 5926938
• Journal Information: Phys. Fluids; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Fluids; (United States) Vol. 24:12; 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
CLOSED PLASMA DEVICES
DC SYSTEMS
ELECTRON TEMPERATURE
ENERGY LOSSES
ENERGY SYSTEMS
HEATING
HVDC SYSTEMS
ION TEMPERATURE
LOSSES
PINCH DEVICES
PLASMA
PLASMA HEATING
POWER SYSTEMS
THERMONUCLEAR DEVICES
TOROIDAL PINCH DEVICES
TOROIDAL THETA PINCH DEVICES