ISSN:
1089-7674
Source:
AIP Digital Archive
Topics:
Physics
Notes:
New results show that a toroidal plasma can be ideally stable to gross modes without a toroidal magnetic field. Previous ideal-magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) studies for such systems [commonly called field-reversed configurations (FRC)] have consistently predicted instability to the tilting mode (lowest-order kink mode). However, a new range of equilibria not previously considered are found, which are stable to tilting in ideal-MHD theory. The equilibrium properties that promote stability are hollow current profile, and racetrack separatrix shape. Stable equilibria may not be possible in a θ-pinch system, but could be achieved with a properly designed vertical field coil set. The stability of FRC's in past θ-pinch experiments arises partly from nonideal effects, but benefits considerably from hollow current profile and racetrack separatrix shape.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.870703
