Skip to main content
eScholarship
Open Access Publications from the University of California

UCLA

UCLA Previously Published Works bannerUCLA

Contour dynamics method for solving the Grad-Shafranov equation with applications to high beta equilibria

Abstract

Numerous methods exist to solve the Grad–Shafranov equation, describing the equilibrium of a plasma confined by an axisymmetric magnetic field. Nevertheless, they are limited to low beta or small plasma pressure. Combining a nonconservative variational principle with a contour dynamics approach, the approach presented in this paper converges for extreme high beta configurations. By reducing the dimension of the problem from two to one, a compact and efficient numerical algorithm can be developed, and a wide range of boundary shapes can be utilized. Furthermore, the iterative nature of this technique greatly facilitates convergence at high beta while minimizing computation times.

Many UC-authored scholarly publications are freely available on this site because of the UC's open access policies. Let us know how this access is important for you.

Main Content
For improved accessibility of PDF content, download the file to your device.
Current View