Three-dimensional nonlinear incompressible MHD calculations

Abstract An algorithm is developed for 3D nonlinear, resistive, incompressible magnetohydrodynamic calculations in a clindrical geometry. The nonreduced primitive MHD equations are used. The state variables are expanded in Fourier series in the poloidal and axial coordinates, while a finite difference scheme is used in the radial direction. Applications to m = 1 tearing mode calculations in tokamaks and the self reversal of a reversed field pinch are presented.