Resistive magnetohydrodynamic equilibrium and stability of a rotating plasma with particle sources

Abstract

Particle sources and resulting density profiles are shown to play an important role in the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) stability of azimuthally rotating axially magnetized plasmas. In the absence of particle sources, density profiles relax under resistive diffusion to pile up to the outside of the system consistent with the outward centrifugal forces. In particular, particle sources would have to be placed appropriately to maintain desired density profiles for fusion applications of centrifugally confined systems. Tailoring of the density profiles could, however, be used to achieve control over MHD stability. Long wavelength Kelvin–Helmholtz modes as well as short wavelength interchange modes are studied in relation to profile tailoring and efficacy of velocity shear. It is concluded that judiciously placed particle sources could be used to enhance stability.