Self-consistent field error effects in reversed field pinch plasmas

Thesis/Dissertation · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1990

OSTI ID:6055843

Sidikman, K L

Magnetic field perturbations induced inside a reversed field pinch (RFP) plasma by field errors at the plasma edge are examined. 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. 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 (3-D MHD) 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. Numerical simulations of the 3-D MHD equations were performed using a static equilibrium. An analytic investigation was performed to clarify the roles of finite grad-lambda and finite eta, nu(sub 0) in the plasma-perturbation interaction. Numerical simulations with an evolving equilibrium were also performed.

• Research Organization: Wisconsin Univ., Madison, WI (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6055843
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700107* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Instabilities
ANNULAR SPACE
CLOSED CONFIGURATIONS
CONFIGURATION
DATA
DISTURBANCES
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
ERRORS
INFORMATION
INSTABILITY
MAGNETIC FIELD CONFIGURATIONS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
NUMERICAL DATA
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
PINCH EFFECT
PLASMA INSTABILITY
PLASMA WAVES
REVERSE-FIELD PINCH
SELF-CONSISTENT FIELD
SPACE
THEORETICAL DATA
TOROIDAL CONFIGURATION
VISCOSITY