Computer simulation of plasma behavior in open-ended linear theta machines. Scientific report 81-5

Abstract

Zero-dimensional and one-dimensional fluid plasma computer models have been developed to study the behavior of linear theta pinch plasmas. Computer simulation results generated from these codes are compared with data obtained from two theta pinch experiments so that significant machine plasma behavior can be identified. The experiments examined are a collisional experiment, T/sub i/ approx. 50 eV, n/sub e/ approx. 10/sup 17/ cm/sup -3/, where the plasma mean-free-path was significantly less than the plasma column length, and a hot ion species experiment, T/sub i/ approx. 3 keV, n/sub e/ approx. 10/sup 16/ cm/sup -3/, where the ion mean-free-path was on the order of the plasma column length.