Stability of a one-dimensional plasma in slab geometry

Journal Article · Sun Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1987 · Phys. Fluids; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.866431· OSTI ID:5998096

Jensen, T H; Thompson, W B

Stability of a one-dimensional slab of plasma is considered for the simplest case of a static equilibrium with negligible pressure. A special class of deformations is considered that satisfies a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) constraint except in a particular surface. These deformations, which resemble those considered for tearing modes, form a continuous path away from the equilibrium. The deformed configurations are not equilibria and their magnetic energies are, therefore, always larger than those of associated equilibria. It is shown that except for a special class of equilibria (previously discussed by Taylor, Phys. Rev. Lett. 33, 1139 (1974)) there exist deformations for which the magnetic energy is continuously decreasing, a result that is interpreted as showing that only this class is stable. The arguments, though asymptotic, are simple, essentially geometric, and do not require linearization. The results differ from those of the traditional linear tearing mode calculation (Furth, Killeen, and Rosenbluth, Phys. Fluids 6, 459 (1963)), making the class of stable equilibria smaller.

• Research Organization: GA Technologies Inc., P. O. Box 85608, San Diego, California 92138
• OSTI ID: 5998096
• Journal Information: Phys. Fluids; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Fluids; (United States) Vol. 30:11; ISSN PFLDA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700107* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Instabilities
DEFORMATION
ELECTRIC CONDUCTORS
EQUILIBRIUM
FLUID MECHANICS
HYDRODYNAMICS
INSTABILITY
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
MECHANICS
ONE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
PLASMA
PLASMA INSTABILITY
PLASMA MACROINSTABILITIES
SLABS
TEARING INSTABILITY
WALLS