Magnetic confinement of plasma ball

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of using a rapidly rotating magnetic field to confine a plasma ball, as opposed to a steady magnetic field. This idea involves using two magnetic bottles that cross each other orthogonally, with one running a sine wave and the other running a cosine. While there is some skepticism about the feasibility of this method, it is considered an interesting idea worth exploring further through discussions with experts and simulations.
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I was taught (In my old thread which was then closed by a mentor) that it is impossible to magnetically confine a plasma ball. But I've since then had an idea how it could be possible:
Instead of using a steady magnetic field, use a rapidly rotating magnetic field.
The field lines are always horizontal but are rotating around the vertical z axis.
So at one point in time the there's confinement in the x and z axis, and a short time later it rotated to confinement in y and z axis. If rotating fast enough it should be possible to magnetically confine a plasma ball.
To implement it use two magnetic bottles which cross each other orthogonally. One should run a sine wave while the other one runs a cosine. Such oscillations can be produced by two LC-circuits.
Is there any reason this wouldn't work?
 
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  • #3


I'm not sure if this would work, but it's an interesting idea. It seems like the rapid rotation of the magnetic field could create a sort of "cage" effect, trapping the plasma ball within it. However, I'm not sure if the strength of the magnetic field would be enough to actually confine the plasma or if it would just cause it to spin along with the rotation of the field. It might be worth looking into further and doing some experiments to see if it's feasible. Have you tried discussing this with any experts or doing any simulations?
 

1. How does magnetic confinement work in a plasma ball?

Magnetic confinement in a plasma ball involves using strong magnetic fields to contain and control the movement of charged particles (plasma) within a confined space. The magnetic field lines restrict the free movement of the particles, keeping them from escaping and allowing them to interact with each other.

2. What is the purpose of using magnetic confinement in a plasma ball?

The purpose of using magnetic confinement in a plasma ball is to create a stable and controlled environment for studying plasma and its properties. It is also used in applications such as nuclear fusion research and plasma-based technologies.

3. How are the magnetic fields created in a plasma ball?

The magnetic fields in a plasma ball are created using electromagnets, which are coils of wire that generate a magnetic field when an electric current is passed through them. The strength and direction of the magnetic field can be controlled by adjusting the current and the configuration of the coils.

4. What are the challenges of using magnetic confinement in a plasma ball?

One of the main challenges of using magnetic confinement in a plasma ball is maintaining the stability of the magnetic field. Any disruptions or fluctuations in the magnetic field can cause the plasma to escape or become unstable. Another challenge is creating a strong enough magnetic field to contain the high-energy plasma particles.

5. Are there any alternative methods of confining plasma besides magnetic confinement?

Yes, there are alternative methods of confining plasma, such as inertial confinement and electrostatic confinement. Inertial confinement involves using powerful lasers or particle beams to compress and heat the plasma, while electrostatic confinement uses electric fields to contain the particles. However, magnetic confinement is generally considered the most effective and widely used method for controlling and studying plasma.

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