The effect of a column inductive transformer on the s-l spheromak

It is attempted to predict the consequences of adding a cylindrical inductive current transformer on the small major radius side of the present S-l Spheromak experiment. Axisymmetric modelling with only classical dissipation shows an increase of toroidal current and a shrinking and hollowing of the current channel, conserving toroidal flux. These unstable profiles will undergo helical reconnection, conserving helicity K =∫Formula Presented dτ while increasing the toroidal flux and decreasing the poloidal flux so that the plasma relaxes toward the Taylor state. This flux rearrangement is modelled by a new current viscosity term in the mean field Ohm's law which conserves helicity and dissipates energy.