Flux-trapping during the formation of field-reversed configurations

Journal Article · Mon Nov 01 00:00:00 EST 1982 · Phys. Fluids; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.863671· OSTI ID:6705688

Armstrong, W T; Harding, D G; Crawford, E A; Hoffman, A L

Flux-trapping during the early formation phases of a field-reversed configuration has been studied experimentally on the field-reversed theta-pinch TRX-1. An annular z-pinch preionizer was employed to permit ionization at high values of reverse-bias flux. Contrary to previous analysis, the rate of flux loss was not governed exclusively by inertially limited plasma convection to the tube walls. At high reverse flux levels, a pressure bearing sheath was observed to form at the tube walls and the flux loss was restricted by resistive diffusion across this sheath. The characteristic time for flux loss was 0.08r/sub t/ (cm) ..mu..sec, independent of the bias field and independent of the fill pressure for fill pressures above 15 mTorr D/sub 2/. Octopole barrier fields were found to be effective in limiting the inertially governed flux loss at very early times before the wall sheath formed.

• Research Organization: Mathematical Sciences Northwest, Inc., Bellevue, Washington 98004-1495
• OSTI ID: 6705688
• Journal Information: Phys. Fluids; (United States), Vol. 25:11
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
MAGNETIC FLUX
ENERGY LOSSES
THETA PINCH
MAGNETIC FIELD REVERSAL
PLASMA CONFINEMENT
EQUILIBRIUM
TOROIDAL CONFIGURATION
ANNULAR SPACE
CONFIGURATION
CONFINEMENT
LOSSES
MAGNETIC FIELD CONFIGURATIONS
PINCH EFFECT
SPACE
700202* - Fusion Power Plant Technology- Magnet Coils & Fields