Lundquist Number
A dimensionless number in magnetohydrodynamics representing the ratio of magnetic diffusion time to Alfvén transit time.
01 Definition
02 Detailed_Analysis
A dimensionless number in magnetohydrodynamics representing the ratio of magnetic diffusion time to Alfvén transit time. High Lundquist numbers indicate that magnetic fields are effectively frozen into the plasma, relevant to spheromak and FRC sustainment. A dimensionless number in magnetohydrodynamics representing the ratio of magnetic diffusion time to Alfvén transit time. High Lundquist numbers indicate that magnetic fields are effectively frozen into the plasma, relevant to spheromak and FRC sustainment.
03 Key_Facts
- ▸ A dimensionless number in magnetohydrodynamics representing the ratio of magnetic diffusion time to Alfvén transit time
- ▸ High Lundquist numbers indicate that magnetic fields are effectively frozen into the plasma, relevant to spheromak and FRC sustainment
- ▸ Related Concepts: Spheromak, MHD, Magnetic Reynolds Number
04 Deep_Dive_Intelligence
Overview
A dimensionless number in magnetohydrodynamics representing the ratio of magnetic diffusion time to Alfvén transit time. High Lundquist numbers indicate that magnetic fields are effectively frozen into the plasma, relevant to spheromak and FRC sustainment.
Role: Glossary term: Lundquist Number
Entity Type: Concept — Lundquist Number is a technical concept or theoretical framework.
Technical Definition
A dimensionless number in magnetohydrodynamics representing the ratio of magnetic diffusion time to Alfvén transit time. High Lundquist numbers indicate that magnetic fields are effectively frozen into the plasma, relevant to spheromak and FRC sustainment.
Related Concepts: Spheromak, MHD, Magnetic Reynolds Number
06 Related_Terms (2)
07 Related_Entities (10)
08 Timeline_Mentions (10)
Christofilos begins Astron experiment at LLNL
Greek engineer starts E-layer field reversal concept. Earliest compact torus conception. Presented at 1958 Geneva.
historical-contextDiscovery of FRC Anomalous Stability
Experiments at LANL discover that Field-Reversed Configurations (FRCs) are significantly more stable than predicted by MHD theory.
fusion-physicsAstron experiment funding cancelled at LLNL
16-year project ends without achieving field reversal. Compact torus concept disperses to spheromak and FRC research.
historical-contextChristofilos Astron experiment cancelled at LLNL
17-year Astron project ends. Field reversal concept disperses to LANL (FRC) and LLNL/PPPL (spheromak).
historical-contextRelaxation Principle Proposed
J.B. Taylor publishes the relaxation principle, establishing that spheromak plasmas minimize magnetic energy while conserving helicity.
fusion-physicsPPPL Compact Toruses Symposium
PPPL symposium consolidating compact toroid (FRC/spheromak) research.
fusion-researchMAGO project begins at VNIIEF (Russian nuclear weapons lab)
Russian MTF program at weapons lab. Communist Party decree. Same dual-use pattern as US.
defense-programsDiscovery of Anomalous FRC Stability
LANL experiments FRX-A and FRX-B reveal FRCs are stable 100x longer than MHD theory predicts, though limited by n=2 rotational instabilities.
fusion-physicsUS-Japan Joint Symposium on Compact Toruses
Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) hosted a collaborative symposium focusing on Spheromaks, FRCs, and relativistic-beam injection, marking a convergence of US and Japanese fusion programs.
fusion-physicsCTX Spheromak Stability Verified
Experiments at Los Alamos verify the gross stability of spheromaks in oblate geometries using solid-wall flux conservers.
fusion-physics09 FAQ
What is Lundquist Number? ▾
Why does Lundquist Number matter? ▾
How does Lundquist Number relate to other concepts? ▾
When did Lundquist Number appear in the research timeline? ▾
Which entities are associated with Lundquist Number? ▾
Is there a detailed dossier for Lundquist Number? ▾
Quick_Facts
- Category
- Fusion Physics
- Aliases
- Lundquist Number, lundquist-number
- Sources
- 8
- Related Terms
- 2
- Graph Entities
- 10
- Timeline Events
- 10