Nonaxisymmetric, multi-region relaxed magnetohydrodynamic equilibrium solutions

Abstract

We describe a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) constrained energy functional for equilibrium calculations that combines the topological constraints of ideal MHD with elements of Taylor relaxation. Extremizing states allow for partially chaotic magnetic fields and non-trivial pressure profiles supported by a discrete set of ideal interfaces with irrational rotational transforms. Numerical solutions are computed using the Stepped Pressure Equilibrium Code, SPEC, and benchmarks and convergence calculations are presented.Comment: Submitted to Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion for publication with a cluster of papers associated with workshop: Stability and Nonlinear Dynamics of Plasmas, October 31, 2009 Atlanta, GA on occasion of 65th birthday of R.L. Dewar. V2 is revised for referee