The effect of rigid electron rotation on the Grad-Shafranov equilibria of a class of FRC devices

C. P.S. Swanson, S. A. Cohen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Rigid electron rotation of a Rotamak-FRC produces a pressure flux function that is more peaked than the Solov'ev flux function. This paper explores the implications of this peaked pressure flux function, including the isothermal case, which appear when the temperature profile is broader than the density profile, creating both benefits and challenges to a Rotamak-FRC based fusion reactor. In this regime, the density distribution becomes very peaked, enhancing the fusion power. The separatrix has a tendency to become oblate, which can be mitigated by flux conserving current loops. Plasma extends outside the separatrix, notably in the open field line region. This model does not apply to very kinetic FRCs or FRCs in which there are significant ion flows, but it may have some applicability to their outer layers.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number086023
JournalNuclear Fusion
Volume61
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2021

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Nuclear and High Energy Physics
  • Condensed Matter Physics

Keywords

  • Grad Shafranov
  • field-reversed configuration
  • magnetohydrodynamics
  • nuclear fusion
  • rigid rotor

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