Magnetic Reconnection in the Spheromak: Physics and Consequences
Magnetic reconnection in the spheromak changes magnetic topology by conversion of injected toroidal flux into poloidal flux and by magnetic surface closure (or opening) in a slowly decaying spheromak. Results from the Sustained Spheromak Physics Experiment, SSPX, are compared with resistive MHD simulations using the NIMROD code. Voltage spikes on the SSPX gun during spheromak formation are interpreted as reconnection across a negative-current layer close to the mean-field x-point. Field lines are chaotic during these events, resulting in rapid electron energy loss to the walls and the low T{sub e} < 50 eV seen in experiment and simulation during strong helicity injection. Closure of flux surfaces (and high T{sub e}) can occur between voltage spikes if they are sufficiently far apart in time; these topology changes are not reflected in the impedance of the axisymmetric gun. Possible future experimental scenarios in SSPX are examined in the presence of the constraints imposed by reconnection physics.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 902234
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-JRNL-219446; JFENDS; TRN: US0702812
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Fusion Energy, Vol. 26, Issue 1/2; ISSN 0164-0313
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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