Modelling of Field-Reversed Configuration Experiment with Large Safety Factor
The Translation-Confinement-Sustainment facility has been operated in the 'translation-formation' mode in which a plasma is ejected at high-speed from a {theta}-pinch-like source into a confinement chamber where it settles into a field-reversed-configuration state. Measurements of the poloidal and toroidal field have been the basis of modeling to infer the safety factor. It is found that the edge safety factor exceeds two, and that there is strong forward magnetic shear. The high-q arises because the large elongation compensates for the modest ratio of toroidal-to-poloidal field in the plasma. This is the first known instance of a very high-{beta} plasma with a safety factor greater than unity. Two-fluid modeling of the measurements also indicate several other significant features: a broad 'transition layer' at the plasma boundary with probable line-tying effects, complex high-speed flows, and the appearance of a two-fluid minimum-energy state in the plasma core. All these features may contribute to both the stability and good confinement of the plasma.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 894784
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-JRNL-217364; TRN: US0700314
- Journal Information:
- Physics of Plasmas, vol. 13, no. 5, May 24, 2006, pp. 056119, Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas, vol. 13, no. 5, May 24, 2006, pp. 056119
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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