Flux Coordinates and Magnetic Field Structure: A Guide to a Fundamental Tool of Plasma Theory [Paperback]

Flux Coordinates and Magnetic Field Structure gives a systematic and rigorous presentation of the mathematical framework and principles underlying the description of magnetically confined fusion plasmas. After a brief treatment of vector algebra in curvilinear coordinate systems the book introduces concepts such as flux surfaces, rotational transforms, and magnetic differential equations. The various specific types of coordinate system are dealt with in detail. Researchers and advanced students in plasma physics, electromagnetics, and mathematical physics will greatly benefit from this useful guide and reference book.1. Introduction and Overview.- I Fundamental Concepts.- 2. Vector Algebra and Analysis in Curvilinear Coordinates.- 3. Tensorial Objects.- 4. Magnetic-Field-Structure-Related Concepts.- II Flux Coordinates.- 5. The Clebsch-Type Coordinate Systems.- 6. Toroidal Flux Coordinates.- 7. Conversion from Clebsch Coordinates to Toroidal Flux Coordinates.- 8. Establishment of the Flux-Coordinate Transformation; A Summary.- 9. Canonical Coordinates or Generalized Magnetic Coordinates.- III Selected Topics.- 10. Proper Toroidal Coordinates.- 11. The Dynamic Equilibrium of an Ideal Tokamak Plasma.- 12. The Relationship Between ?dl/B and dV/d?tor.- 13. Transformation Properties of Vector and Tensor Components.- 14. Alternative Derivations of the Divergence Formula.- References.Flux Coordinates and Magnetic Field Structure gives a systematic and rigorous presentation of the mathematical framework and principles underlying the description of magnetically confined fusion plasmas. The various specific types of coordinate system are dealt with in detail.