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

摘要

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)