NOVA: A nonvariational code for solving the MHD stability of axisymmetric toroidal plasmas

Journal Article · Wed Jul 01 00:00:00 EDT 1987 · J. Comput. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0021-9991(87)90023-4· OSTI ID:6400246

Cheng, C Z; Chance, M S

A nonvariational approach for determining the ideal MHD stability of axisymmetric toroidal confinement systems is presented. The code (NOVA) employs cubic B-spline finite elements and Fourier expansion in a general flux coordinate (psi,theta,xi) system. At least as much accuracy and faster convergence were obtained in comparison with the existing variational PEST and ERATO codes which employ linear finite elements. This nonvariational approach benchmarked here on the ideal MHD problem is a prelude to a future extended version applicable to problems having non-Hermitian eigenmode equations were variational energy principles cannot be obtained. Copyright 1987 Academic Press, Inc.

• Research Organization: Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton, New Jersey 08544
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-76CH03073
• OSTI ID: 6400246
• Journal Information: J. Comput. Phys.; (United States), Vol. 71:1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
PLASMA INSTABILITY
N CODES
BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
INSTABILITY GROWTH RATES
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
SPLINE FUNCTIONS
TOROIDAL CONFIGURATION
ANNULAR SPACE
COMPUTER CODES
CONFIGURATION
FLUID MECHANICS
FUNCTIONS
HYDRODYNAMICS
INSTABILITY
MECHANICS
SPACE
700107* - Fusion Energy- Plasma Research- Instabilities