Plasma Modelling for Magnetic Control

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to derive a linearized mathematical model describing the interaction between the plasma ring and the voltages applied to the poloidal field coils. This model will be of fundamental importance in the design of the plasma magnetic control system. To start with, the equations of the ideal magnetohydrodynamics theory will be presented; these equations will be used to characterize the equilibrium configurations of a plasma in a tokamak machine, and to derive a nonlinear dynamical model. Then, it is shown how to obtain a finite dimensional linear time-invariant model. This model will be completed in the next chapter including the output equations describing the parameters used to characterize the plasma shape and position.