Cylindrical plasma equilibria maintained by means of a rotating magnetic field

Abstract

The equilibrium of a plasma cylinder confined by means of a steady axial magnetic field, Bα, and a transverse magnetic field, Bω, which rotates about the axis of the cylinder is analysed using a two-fluid model. It is shown that the electron fluid is tied to the rotating field provided that The rotating field does not impart a steady azimuthal motion to the ions provided that However, the ion fluid acquires a steady azimuthal velocity due to electron-ion collisions. A self-consistent radial electric field is produced; this field plays an important role in establishing the steady ion flow.