Toroidal magnetic field generation during compact toroid formation in a field-reversed theta pinch and a conical theta pinch

Journal Article · Tue Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1986 · Phys. Fluids; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.865867· OSTI ID:5977498

Milroy, R D; Brackbill, J U

The influence that the Hall and delP/sub e/ terms, in a generalized Ohm's law, have on the formation of a compact toroid in a field-reversed theta pinch and a conical theta pinch has been examined. The inclusion of these terms leads to the spontaneous generation of toroidal magnetic fields and toroidal velocities. The toroidal fields in the end regions reach peak values of almost 50% of the external poloidal field during the early stages of formation. When the coil geometry is the same at each end of the theta pinch, equal and opposite toroidal fields are generated by the Hall effect, so that no net toroidal flux is generated. When the geometry is not the same at each end, the Hall effect can lead to a net toroidal flux. Calculations for both a conical theta pinch experiment and a field-reversed configuration translation experiment demonstrate the generation of net toroidal flux, as observed experimentally.

• Research Organization: Spectra Technology, Inc., Bellevue, Washington 98004
• DOE Contract Number: AC06-80ER53098
• OSTI ID: 5977498
• Journal Information: Phys. Fluids; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Fluids; (United States) Vol. 29:4; ISSN PFLDA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700101* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Confinement
Heating
& Production
ANNULAR SPACE
CONFIGURATION
CONFINEMENT
CONICAL CONFIGURATION
HALL EFFECT
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETIC FLUX
OHM LAW
PINCH EFFECT
PLASMA CONFINEMENT
PLASMA PRESSURE
REVERSE-FIELD PINCH
SPACE
THETA PINCH
TOROIDAL CONFIGURATION