Recent developments in linear theta-pinch and laser-heated solenoid research

Conference · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1978

OSTI ID:6577232

McKenna, K F; Bartsch, R R; Commisso, R J

At LASL, the experimental results from the high energy (T/sub e/ + T/sub i/ = 3.3 keV, n/sub e/ = 1.5 x 10/sup 16/ cm/sup -3/) 5-m Scylla IV-P theta pinch support the following: (1) single mode m = 1 ''wobble'' instability rotation frequencies of approximately 180 kHz are associated with axial wavelengths of 400 to 800 cm; (2) ion thermal conduction is an unimportant loss mechanism; (3) evidence of rarefaction-like waves is seen; (4) the normalized end-loss time is independent of the plasma beta and collisionality regime; (5) plasma flow from the ends remains collimated and convects magnetic fields; (6) LiD end plugs produce a three-fold increase in energy containment time over the open-ended configuration. Theoretical work at LASL has demonstrated the following: (1) an explanation of the m = 1 ''wobble'' instability has been formulated; (2) a correct description of end-loss must include the magnetic curvature term in the axial momentum equation. Mirrors increase the lifetime of a collisional plasma less than guiding center theory predicts; (3) magnetic field gradient drift can reduce the growth rate of the universal drift instability; (4) collisionless magnetoacoustic heating can be an effective heating mechanism in theta pinches. At MSNW-UW, CO/sub 2/ laser heating of low energy (T/sub e/ approximately equal to T/sub i/ approximately equal to 2 eV, n/sub e/ approximately equal to 2 x 10/sup 17/ cm/sup -3/) plasmas is accomplished over a one-meter column length. Maintenance of an on-axis density minimum is demonstrated.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos Scientific Lab., NM (USA); Mathematical Sciences Northwest, Inc., Bellevue, WA (USA); Washington Univ., Seattle (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• OSTI ID: 6577232
• Report Number(s): LA-UR-78-1910; CONF-780811-9
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700101* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Confinement
Heating
& Production
700107 -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Instabilities
CONFINEMENT
DRIFT INSTABILITY
ELECTRIC COILS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
HEATING
HYDROMAGNETIC WAVES
INSTABILITY
INSTABILITY GROWTH RATES
LASER-RADIATION HEATING
LINEAR PINCH DEVICES
LINEAR THETA PINCH DEVICES
MAGNETOACOUSTIC WAVES
OPEN PLASMA DEVICES
PINCH DEVICES
PLASMA CONFINEMENT
PLASMA HEATING
PLASMA INSTABILITY
PLASMA MACROINSTABILITIES
PLASMA MICROINSTABILITIES
SCYLLA DEVICES
SOLENOIDS
THERMONUCLEAR DEVICES