A linearized 3D hybrid code for stability studies of field-reversed ion rings

Abstract A linearized 3D hybrid code, RINGHYBRID, for the study of the low-frequency stability of high-beta equilibria is described. In particular, this code is suitable for application to field-reversed ion rings and mirror plasmas. The code models the development in time of perturbations having a specified azimuthal mode number, 1, about an axisymmetric equilibrium state. The equilibrium current is purely azimuthal and is carried entirely by the energetic ion component, which is modeled by discrete simulation particles. This current is consistent with the equilibrium magnetic field and hot-component charge density. In addition to the hot-ion component, a cold uniform density background of ions and a complement of missies electrons are described by fluid equations which incorporate a scalar resistivity. Also presented are verifications of code performance, including tests of cold-plasma normal modes and of plasma return currents arising in response to an azimuthal “drive” current rising linearly with time.

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