Computer modeling of linear theta pinch machines

Journal Article · Wed Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1978 · Phys. Fluids; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.862116· OSTI ID:6635836

Stover, E K; Klevans, E H; York, T M

A zero-dimensional time dependent computer model is developed to describe post implosion behavior of a radially diffuse plasma column in linear theta pinch machines. The model consists of five first-order differential equations for electron temperature T/sub e/, ion temperature T/sub i/, plasma column area A/sub p/, magnetic field embedded in the plasma column B/sub i/, and number of electrons in the plasma column N, and incorporates the effects of particle end loss, electron and ion thermal conduction, magnetic compression of the plasma, electron-ion energy transfer, Ohmic heating of the electrons, and magnetic field diffusion. End-on interferometric experimental data, which indicate that particle confinement time scales as L(m/sub i//(T/sub e/+T/sub i/))/sup 1/2/, where m/sub i/ is the ion mass and L is the compression coil length, are used as a guide to the choice of an end loss parameter. Numerical predictions of on-axis density and plasma temperature are found to be in reasonably good agreement with experimental results from both the collisional Scylla I-C experiment and the hot collisionless Scylla IV-P experiment. These comparisons are used to identify important physical mechanisms characterizing the behavior of a particular machine including: the significance of thermal conduction on both plasma temperature and particle end loss; the importance of magnetic field diffusion; and the impact of using a time independent end loss scaling parameter.

• Research Organization: The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802
• OSTI ID: 6635836
• Journal Information: Phys. Fluids; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Fluids; (United States) Vol. 21:11; ISSN PFLDA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700101* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Confinement
Heating
& Production
CONFINEMENT
ELECTRON TEMPERATURE
ION TEMPERATURE
LINEAR PINCH DEVICES
LINEAR THETA PINCH DEVICES
OPEN PLASMA DEVICES
PINCH DEVICES
PINCH EFFECT
PLASMA SIMULATION
SCYLLA DEVICES
THERMONUCLEAR DEVICES
THETA PINCH