Driven Resonant Current Amplification In Self-Organized Plasma Configurations With Uniform Lambda And Plasma Pressure Confinement

Driven resonant current amplification in uniformlambda = mu o J B, self-organized plasma configurations with plasma pressure confinement is studied. This work extends previous analyses of force-free states (J parallel to B) to equilibria with plasma pressure gradients (del P = J x B not equal 0). An analytical treatment shows that in equilibria with uniform lambda and a plasma pressure gradient that varies linearly with poloidal magnetic flux, driven resonances are either downshifted or upshifted from their force-free values. Additionally, a modification of off resonance current amplification is observed in pressure confining equilibria. Computational results add support to analytical predictions, and also include driven resonance behavior with equilibrium profiles not considered analytically. These results suggest not only persistence, but also modification of driven resonant current amplification in sustained spheromak configurations with plasma pressure confinement when compared to force-free states. By providing a basis for the existence of driven, high current amplification, pressure confining equilibria, this work provides insight into the accessibility of sustained spheromak states of most interest for potential fusion energy applications.