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A method of computational magnetohydrodynamics defining stable Scyllac equilibria
1Energy Research and Development Administration Mathematics and Computing Laboratory, New York University, New York, N.Y. 10012.
Summary
A new computer code calculates plasma equilibria, enabling analysis of large distortions. Stable equilibria were found for the Scyllac toroidal confinement device, advancing fusion energy research.
Area of Science:
- Plasma Physics
- Computational Physics
- Fusion Energy
Background:
- Accurate modeling of plasma behavior is crucial for fusion energy development.
- Previous models separately addressed sharp boundary and diffuse plasma profiles.
- Large amplitude plasma distortions require advanced computational tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a unified computational code for calculating toroidal plasma equilibria.
- To generalize existing models by incorporating both sharp boundary and diffuse pressure profiles.
- To investigate plasma stability in high beta toroidal confinement devices.
Main Methods:
- Development of a novel computer code for numerical calculations.
- Integration of sharp boundary and diffuse pressure profile models.
- Application of the code to analyze equilibria in three-dimensional space.
Main Results:
- The code successfully calculates sharp boundary equilibria for plasmas with diffuse pressure profiles.
- Large amplitude plasma distortions were accommodated by the model.
- Stable equilibria, resistant to the m = 1, k = 0 mode, were identified for Scyllac.
Conclusions:
- The developed code provides a generalized approach to modeling toroidal plasma equilibria.
- The findings demonstrate the code's capability to analyze complex plasma configurations.
- Stable equilibria found for Scyllac contribute to understanding toroidal confinement for fusion energy.