ISSN:
1089-7666
Source:
AIP Digital Archive
Topics:
Physics
Notes:
In a recent paper, Nakayama, Sato, and Matsuoka [Phys. Fluids 31, 630 (1988)] suggested that elliptical cross-section tokamaks with aspect ratio R/a=3.2 and with elongation κ=2.6 are unstable to a splitting (m=2, n=0) instability for plasma β〉5%, and that κ≥4.0 plasmas are unstable to a splitting for β≥1%. The magnetohydrodynamic evolution code tsc [J. Comput. Phys. 66, 481 (1986)] indicates, however, that such plasmas are robustly stable with respect to this splitting. In fact, a κ=3.7 plasma with β=23.0% shows no tendency to split. However, the addition of pinching coils at the waist will cause the plasma to split if the current in these coils exceeds a critical value Ic, which decreases with increasing beta.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.859054
Permalink