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Driven, steady-state RFP computationsThe pseudospectral three-dimensional MHD code of Dahlburg et al. (1986 and 1987) is used to compute the dynamical behavior of a channel of magnetofluid carrying an axial current and magnetic flux. This situation contains the essential MHD behavior of the reversed-field pinch (RFP). An externally imposed electric field is applied to an initially current-free magnetofluid and drives currents that rise and eventually fluctuate about values corresponding to pinch ratios Theta of about 1.3, 2.2, and 4.5. A period of violent turbulence leads to an approximately force-free core, surrounded by an active MHD boundary layer that is not force-free. A steady state is reached that can apparently be sustained indefinitely (for several hundred Alfven transit times or longer). The turbulence level and time variability in the steady state increase with increasing Theta. The average toroidal magnetic field at the wall reverses for Theta = 2.2 and 4.5, but not for Theta = 1.3. Negative toroidal current filaments are observed. The Lundquist numbers are of the order of a few hundred.
Document ID
19880066510
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Dahlburg, J. P.
(Dartmouth Coll. Hanover, NH, United States)
Montgomery, D.
(Dartmouth College Hanover, NH, United States)
Doolen, G. D.
(Dartmouth Coll. Hanover, NH, United States)
Turner, L.
(Los Alamos National Laboratory NM, United States)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 1988
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Plasma Physics
Volume: 40
ISSN: 0022-3778
Subject Category
Plasma Physics
Accession Number
88A53737
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: DE-FG02-85ER-53194
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-710
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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