Finite-difference multiple fluid solution for source-driven rotation in highly magnetized linear plasma device

Abstract

The rotation profile of a magnetized plasma cylinder composed of multiple fluids is investigated analytically, expanding on previous results. The analytic steady-state solution is used as a benchmark for a time-dependent multiple-fluid finite-difference code, MITNS: Multiple-Ion Transport Numerical Solver. Magnetic field evolution is taken into account, both analytically and numerically. Its details are shown to be of importance when particles are allowed out of the domain. MITNS reproduces the asymptotic expansion results for a small parameter δ⋘1. For me/mi∼δ≪1, a slightly different regime, dominated by viscosity-induced transport of ions, is found numerically and analytically. This verification supports the use of this code for more complex time-dependent calculations in the future. Additionally, we derive the angular velocity profile of each species due to radial particle and charge fluxes of various strengths.

Fueling limits in a cylindrical viscosity-limited reactor

“…can induce rotation in the plasma due to their interaction with the magnetic field. The hydrodynamic variables -densities, momenta and pressures -in such configurations can be asymptotically solved for [20] or numerically integrated using a variety of tools, such as the MITNS: Multiple-Ion Transport Numerical Solver code [21].…”