The long-time evolution approximation for a quasi-one-dimensional plasma system

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The long‐time evolution of a plasma through a series of equilibrium states for the case of the field‐reversed configuration (FRC) is considered. A formulation of the transport model in magnetic flux variables is given for the approximate geometry where the magnetic field lines are straight. Thus a complicated two‐dimensional elliptic differential equation amenable only to numerical solution is avoided. Radial force balance is enforced pointwise while axial force balance is enforced only globally. The equations formulated in this manner are relatively simple; some of their salient features are discussed. Although a particular plasma–magnetic field configuration is considered, the type of analytical method presented is more general and applies to other coupled initial‐boundary value problems. The absence of complicated geometry and flux surface averaging involved for other systems makes the essential aspects of the transformations employed transparent.