Plasma modeling of MFTF-B and the sensitivity to vacuum conditions

Abstract

The tandem mirror machine, MFTF-B, is scheduled to begin operation early in 1987. We have developed a time-dependent plasma-modeling code to examine the expected operating parameters. Using this code, we studied the effect of vacuum conditions on the plasma in each region of the machine. In particular, this study specified the vacuum requirements to which the machine is being designed. We will present the details of our study together with the current design of the vacuum system.