Two-dimensional modeling of the formation of spheromak configurations

A reduced set of two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic equations has been derived describing the axisymmetric time evolution of a stable plasma evolving slowly due to resistive diffusion and changing boundary conditions. The equations are restricted to low β but allow changing topology. They are integrated in time to demonstrate a possible spheromak formation method. External circuit equations are integrated simultaneously with the plasma equations to determine the electromagnetic boundary conditions self-consistently. The effects of a finite conductivity vacuum chamber are included.