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Modelling filaments produced by magnetically confined plasmas

Academic lead
Prof David Hughes, Mathematics
Industrial lead
Wayne Arter, UKAEA Culham Centre for Fusion Energy
Co-supervisor(s)
Prof Steve Tobias, Mathematics, Dr Sven Van Loo, Physics, Fulvio Militello, UKAEA Culham Centre for Fusion Energy
Project themes
Microflows & heat transfer

Heat and mass loss at the edge of magnetically confined plasmas is seen to be associated with the intermittent ejection of filaments of denser and hotter plasma from the centre. There is an extensive programme of experimental work planned at Culham from 2017 onwards to investigate the behaviour of these structures, together with much historical data. The student will draw on the experience of Leeds mathematics in modelling heat transfer by convection in the presence of magnetic fields, to assist in this programme. The fundamental issue is the formation of plasma filaments and the early stages of their subsequent development. The student will begin by investigating an idealised fluid problem where it is possible to make progress analytically, using linear stability and/or energy methods. They will then engage in theoretical work involving pre-existing software to explain the basic principles behind the separation of the filaments from the main plasma in strongly nonlinear conditions and the role of magnetic reconnection in it. In addition, the code might be used to investigate particular experiments, probably selected from the ongoing Culham programme. (The student should note that in this context, even the detailed plasma models are primarily hydrodynamic, with only relatively minor modifications to account for the strong background magnetic field.)