Nonlinear tearing modes in the reversed field pinch

Journal Article · Wed Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1989 · Phys Fluids B; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.859151· OSTI ID:6547914

Miller, G

Finite-amplitude islands, which are the saturated states of tearing modes in the reversed field pinch, are calculated. These states are bifurcated noncylindrical equilibrium states. With sigma(r) (sigmaequivalentj x B/B/sup 2/) nonuniform across the plasma, as is consistent with experiment, a variety of m = 1 and m = 0 bifurcated equilibria are possible, instead of just the m = 1 helix calculated for uniform sigma(r) by Taylor (in Pulsed High Beta Plasmas, edited by D. Evans (Pergamon, Oxford, 1976), p. 59). Assuming the magnetic field lines in the reversed field pinch are weakly stochastic, the growth time of an unstable tearing mode is on the inertial time scale, as in the Taylor model, in constrast to growth on the resistive time scale predicted from nonlinear tearing mode theory when magnetic surfaces exist. The dependence of the saturated island width on radius of a conducting shell is investigated. Islands in the reversed field pinch often have magnetic wells in the island interior, which may result in improved confinement in the island regions.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545
• OSTI ID: 6547914
• Journal Information: Phys Fluids B; (United States), Journal Name: Phys Fluids B; (United States) Vol. 1:2; ISSN PFBPE
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700107* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Instabilities
AMPLITUDES
HELICITY
INSTABILITY
INSTABILITY GROWTH RATES
MAGNETIC FIELD CONFIGURATIONS
MAGNETIC ISLANDS
NONLINEAR PROBLEMS
PARTICLE PROPERTIES
PINCH EFFECT
PLASMA
PLASMA INSTABILITY
PLASMA MACROINSTABILITIES
REVERSE-FIELD PINCH
SATURATION
STOCHASTIC PROCESSES
TEARING INSTABILITY