Linear analysis of magnetic and flow shear stabilization of Z-pinch instabilities

Abstract

Summary form only given. A global normal mode stability analysis on the effect of both magnetic shear and flow shear on magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) instabilities in Z-pinch plasmas is presented. A general set of equations based on the Hall fluid model allows the investigation of ideal and non-ideal MHD plasmas with both magnetic shear and flow shear included in the plasma equilibrium. These equations are integrated numerically by following the linear development in time of an initial see perturbation. Global instability growth rates are obtained after the numerical solution converges to the fastest growing mode. Various equilibrium profiles with radially sheared azimuthal flow and/or radially sheared axial magnetic field are analyzed. Comparisons of instability growth rates for a broad range of shear amplitudes are reported.