Magnetohydrodynamic equilibria for a bumpy axisymmetric plasma column

Abstract

Solutions to the nonlinear ideal magnetohydrodynamic equilibrium equations are numerically computed for the case of an infinitely long axisymmetric plasma column. Boundary conditions are imposed which force the axial variation of the configuration to be sinusoidal thus giving rise to “bumpy” flux surfaces. Current is allowed in both the axial direction and in the direction of the ignorable coordinate. It is found that the depth of penetration into the plasma of the bumpiness increases when the axial current or the plasma β is increased. The effect of the presence of a perfectly conducting wall of constant radius together with a limiter of variable radius on the equilibria is also investigated. Applications to present and proposed tokamak experiments are made.