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Kinetic description of linear theta-pinch equilibria

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 March 2009

D. B. Batchelor
Affiliation:
Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742
R. C. Davidson
Affiliation:
Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742

Abstract

Equilibrium properties of linear theta-pinch plasmas are studied within the framework of the steady-state (∂ / ∂ t = 0) Vlasov– Maxwell equations. The analysis is carried out for an infinitely long plasma column aligned parallel to an externally applied axial magnetic field Bzext ê 2. Equilibrium properties are calculated for the class of rigid-rotor Vlasov equilibria, in which the jth component distribution function f j(H⊥, Pθ, υ 2) depends on perpendicular energy H⊥ and canonical angular momentum Pθ, exclusively through the linear combination H⊥ – ω jPθ, where ω j = const. = angular velocity of mean rotation. General equilibrium relations that pertain to the entire class of rigid-rotor Vlasov equilibria are discussed; and specific examples of sharp- and diffuse-boundary equilibrium configurations are considered. Rigid-rotor density and magnetic field profiles are compared with experimentally observed profiles. A general prescription is given for determining the functional dependence of the equilibrium distribution function on H−ωjPθg in circumstances, where the density profile or magnetic field profile is specified.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1975

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