Open AccessOn current penetration and plasma disruption
Author(s) -
Thomas H. Stix
Publication year - 1975
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.2172/4137485
Subject(s) - plasma , tokamak , instability , penetration (warfare) , tearing , magnetic reconnection , mechanics , physics , magnetic field , atomic physics , nuclear physics , thermodynamics , engineering , operations research , quantum mechanics
It is suggested that, in a tokamak discharge, the initial rapid current penetration and the disruptive instability may each be attributed to a type of nonlinear double tearing instability which causes growth and overlap of radially separated magnetic islands. The ensuing reconnection and braiding of magnetic lines would enhance local radial heat and particle transport, and could permit rapid redistribution of plasma current, inducing positive or negative spikes in the loop-voltage signal. (auth