Interaction of an accelerated FRC in a transverse magnetic field

Abstract

The interaction and penetration of an accelerated FRC into a transverse magnetic field is studied for Tokamak refueling purposes. FRC penetration and interaction in the transverse magnetic field chamber is observed using visible light emission arrays, visible light imaging cameras, and several swept thermocouple probes. The FRC density and translation velocity are varied while monitoring the effect on penetration depth, deformation, tilt interaction and plasma deposition. The plasma penetration is observed using axial magnetic probes, while the plasma deformation is recorded with the visible light emission arrays and the swept thermocouple probes. 2 and 3-D magnetic field codes are used for field mapping for probe locations as well as translation and deformation simulations. Simple models are used to examine the effect that plasma deformation has on penetration as compared to the simple 1/2 pU2 = B 2/2mu0 model.