Computational modelling of compact toroidal plasmas

Summary Form only given, as follows. Preliminary simulations of the formation of compact toroids have been carried out. This work is in support of current experiments at the Air Force Weapons Lab. in which compact toroids (a minimum-magnetic-energy configuration with linked toroidal and poloidal flux) are being formed, accelerated, and compressed. Simulations were performed using MACH2, a 2-D magnetohydrodynamic code with a Van Lear transport scheme. Simulations also included a detailed modeling of the initial poloidal flux distribution produced by the external solenoidal coils, which is thought to affect significantly the toroid´s formation.<>