The computation of resistive MHD instabilities in axisymmetric toroidal plasmas

Technical Report · Thu Feb 28 23:00:00 EST 1991

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6134340· OSTI ID:6134340

Harley, T R; Cheng, C Z; Jardin, S C

We describe the linear MHD eigenmode code NOVA-R, which calculates the resistive stability of axisymmetric toroidal equilibria. A formulation has been adopted which accurately resolves the continuum spectrum of the ideal MHD operator. The resistive MHD stability equations are transformed into three coupled second order equations, one of which recovers the equation solved by the NOVA code in the ideal limit. The eigenfunctions are represented by a Fourier expansion and cubic B-spline finite elements which are packed about the internal boundary layer. Accurate results are presented for dimensionless resistivities as low as 10{sup {minus}30} in cylindrical geometry. For axisymmetric toroidal plasmas we demonstrate the accuracy of the NOVA-R code by recovering ideal results in the {eta} {yields} 0 limit, and cylindrical resistive interchange results in the a/R {yields} limit. {Delta}{prime} analysis performed using the eigenfunctions computed by the NOVA-R code agree with the asymptotic matching results from the resistive PEST code for zero beta equilibria. 33 refs., 30 figs.

• Research Organization: Princeton Univ., NJ (USA). Plasma Physics Lab.
• Sponsoring Organization: DOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-76CH03073
• OSTI ID: 6134340
• Report Number(s): PPPL-2737; ON: DE91010725
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700103 -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Kinetics
700107* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Instabilities
AXIAL SYMMETRY
CLOSED PLASMA DEVICES
EQUILIBRIUM
FUNCTIONS
INSTABILITY
MHD EQUILIBRIUM
PLASMA INSTABILITY
PLASMA MACROINSTABILITIES
SPHEROMAK DEVICES
SPLINE FUNCTIONS
SYMMETRY
TEARING INSTABILITY
THERMONUCLEAR DEVICES
TOKAMAK DEVICES