Two-fluid magnetic island dynamics in slab geometry: I - Isolated islands

A set of reduced, 2-D, two-fluid, drift-MHD equations is derived. Using these equations, a complete and fully self-consistent solution is obtained for an isolated magnetic island propagating through a slab plasma with uniform but different ion and electron fluid velocities. The ion and electron fluid flow profiles around the island are uniquely determined, and are everywhere continuous. Moreover, the island phase-velocity is uniquely specified by the condition that there be zero net electromagnetic force acting on the island. Finally, the ion polarization current correction to the Rutherford island width evolution equation is evaluated, and found to be stabilizing provided that the anomalous perpendicular ion viscosity significantly exceeds the anomalous perpendicular electron viscosity

The Framework of Plasma Physics

Plasma physics is a necessary part of our understanding of stellar and galactic structure. It determines the magnetospheric environment of the earth and other planets; it forms the research frontier in such areas as nuclear fusion, advanced accelerators, and high power lasers; and its applications to various industrial processes (such as computer chip manufacture) are rapidly increasing. It is thus a subject with a long list of scientific and technological applications. This book provides the scientific background for understanding such applications, but it emphasizes something else: the intrinsic scientific interest of the plasma state. It attempts to develop an understanding of this state, and of plasma behavior, as thoroughly and systematically as possible. The book was written with the graduate student in mind, but most of the material would also fit into an upper-level undergraduate course

Elastic Radiation in a Half‐Space

A Green's function for the elastic wave equation, which satisfies certain boundary conditions on the surface of a homogeneous half‐space, is derived by means of the Fourier transformation. This half‐space Green's function is then applied to the computation of radiative effects due to the earth's surface when a radiating source is located on or within that surface. The results obtained are to be taken as an extension of a previous and similar formulation for the infinite medium due to Case and Colwell.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/70190/2/JMAPAQ-11-8-2546-1.pd

Magnetic Phase transitions in Plasmas and Transport Barriers

A model of magnetic phase transitions in plasmas is presented: plasma blobs with pressure excess or defect are dia- or para-magnets and move radially under the influence of the background plasma magnetisation. It is found that magnetic phase separation could be the underlying mechanism of L to H transitions and drive transport barrier formation. Magnetic phase separation and associated pedestal build up, as described here, can be explained by the well known interchange mechanism, now reinterpreted as a magnetisation interchange which remains relevant even when stable or saturated. A testable necessary criterion for the L to H transition is presented.Comment: 3 figures, 9 pages, equations created with MathType To be published in Nuclear Fusion, accepted August 201

US Fusion Research

Presented on August 27, 2012 from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm in Room 1116 of the Marcus Nanotechnology building.Runtime: 70:45 minutes.This review of the US fusion research program has two parts. The first part (after a brief primer on fusion) surveys the plasma and fusion research issues that dominate the present US program. The second part discusses in more detail two specific topics---the fusion-fission hybrid and the possibility of thermal equilibrium confinement---in more detail. The review assumes very little prior knowledge of plasma physics or fusion research

Final Report: Establishment of an Institute for Fusion Studies, June 1, 1980 - March 1, 1998

The mission of the Institute for Fusion Studies has been to serve as a national center for theoretical fusion and plasma physics research. As an independent scientific group of critical size, its objectives were to conduct research on fundamental phenomena important to fusion; to serve as a center for fusion theory exchange activities with other countries; to exchange scientific developments with other academic disciplines; and to train students and postdoctoral fellows in fusion and plasma physics research

Final Report: Plasma Colloquium Travel Grant Program, September 15, 1997 - September 14, 1998

The purpose of the Travel Grant Program is to increase the awareness of plasma research. The new results and techniques of plasma research in fusion plasmas, plasma processing space plasmas, basic plasma science, etc, have broad applicability throughout science. The benefits of these results are limited by the relatively low awareness and appreciation of plasma research in the larger scientific community. Whereas spontaneous interactions between plasma scientists and other scientists are useful, a focused effort in education and outreach to other scientists is efficient and is needed. The academic scientific community is the initial focus of this effort, since that permits access to a broad cross-section of scientists and future scientists including undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, and research staff

Some boundary value problems of mathematical physics

http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/5432/5/bac4188.0001.001.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/5432/4/bac4188.0001.001.tx

Three‐Dimensional Linear Transport Theory

A recent technique for extending the singular eigenfunction method in linear transport theory to problems which are not strictly 1‐dimensional is compared to a more naive approach based on the Fourier transform. The latter appears to have advantages with regard to simplicity and directness.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/69420/2/JMAPAQ-11-4-1126-1.pd