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Title: Electric field due to velocity space particle loss in field-reversed configurations

Journal Article · · Phys Fluids B; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.859150· OSTI ID:6550222

Particle confinement criteria for velocity space particle loss are used to calculate the radial and axial electric potential profiles in field-reversed configurations (FRC's). Assuming Vlasov equilibrium distribution functions for both electrons and ions, the density profile and the potential profile are calculated self-consistently. With rest Maxwellian distribution functions for both species and the Hill's vortex magnetic configuration, a radial electric field of about 0--70 V/cm and an axial electric field of about 0--4 V/cm, depending on positions, have been found for a typical set of experimental parameters: electron temperature T/sub e/ = 100 eV, ion temperature T/sub i/ = 200 eV, magnetic field B/sub 0/ = 5500 G, separatrix radius r/sub s/ = 12 cm, and elongation factor k = 5. The corresponding density profile has behavior similar to profiles observed in the experiments. Cases using rigid-rotor distribution functions with different rigid rotating frequencies are also studied.

Research Organization:
Department of Nuclear Engineering, 231 Sackett Building, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802
OSTI ID:
6550222
Journal Information:
Phys Fluids B; (United States), Vol. 1:2
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English