Abstract
An axisymmetric spheromak formed by the dynamic merging of two smaller spheromaks of the same magnetic helicity in the Swarthmore Spheromak Experiment (SSX) [M. R. Brown, Phys. Plasmas 6, 1717 (1999)] has been observed and characterized. The spheromak is formed in an oblate (tilt stable), trapezoidal, 6 mm wall copper flux conserver in SSX, which is 0.5 m in diameter and L=0.4 m in length at its largest dimensions. This configuration is formed by cohelicity merging of two spheromaks (either both right-handed or both left-handed) in which the merging poloidal fluxes are parallel (i.e., no field reversal for reconnection to occur initially). After a period of dynamic and nonaxisymmetric activity, the configuration ultimately relaxes to an axisymmetric state. A nonaxisymmetric tilted state, very close in total energy to the axisymmetric state, is also sometimes observed. This configuration is characterized by a suite of magnetic probe arrays for magnetic structure B(r,t), ion Doppler spectroscopy for Ti and ...
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
