Computer modeling of theta pinch behavior with plasma column rotation

In order to simulate a theta pinch experiment in which the rotational energy is estimated to be comparable to the thermal energy, plasma column rotation is included through the radial pressure balance equation in a zero-dimensional, time-dependent computer model with a diffuse density profile. It is found that rotational pressure results in a suppression of the internal magnetic field, leading to an increase in the rate of flux diffusion and ohmic heating. The major effect of rotation is to increase the predicted temperature. Comparison of computer simulations with experimental temperatures at mid-plane indicates that temperature predictions of the computer simulations agree better with rotation effects included. Other features of the experiment, such as effective length and particle loss rate, are consistent with the simulation. (author)