Computer Simulation Studies of the Tearing Mode Instability in a Field-Reversed Ion Layer.

Abstract

Results are reported on the computer simulation of a long, space charge neutral ion layer. The critical axial velocity spread required to stabilize the tearing mode is in agreement with the predictions of Uhm and Davidson. The growth rates of individual modes depend on the evolving profile of the distribution functions. For initially square velocity distribution profile, the code predicts growth rates that are slower by about a factor of two than those of the linear theory. In addition, it has been demonstrated that when the Budker parameter of the layer nu exceeds 1/3, a conducting wall surrounding the layer may have a destabilizing influence on it. (Author)

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 15, 1980
Accession Number
ADA089372

Entities

People

  • A. T. Drobot
  • Chris A. Kapetanakos
  • S. J. Marsh

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Angular Momentum
  • Computational Science
  • Computer Simulations
  • Computers
  • Distribution Functions
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Energy
  • Engineering
  • Equations
  • Frequency
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Molecular Dynamics
  • New York
  • Nuclear Energy
  • Simulations
  • Space Charge
  • Two Dimensional

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Mathematics or Statistics
  • Plasma Physics / Magnetohydrodynamics

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster