Introduction and summary: Section 1

TRX-2 is a three-turn version of an earlier single turn reverse-field theta pinch (RFTP), TRX-1. It was constructed to demonstrate field-reversed configuration (FRC) formation at low values of E/sub θ/, which reduces the technological requirements on FRC facilities. Successful slow formation and dissipative heating was demonstrated in the early TRX-2 work, and is described in the interim report. These early results proved the basic utility of low voltage RFTP operation for creating FRCs. The efficient flux trapping confirmed our analysis of a pressure bearing sheath forming at the plasma tube wall, which changed the flux loss from an inertial to a diffusive process, and allowed longer field reversal times to be tolerated. The high plasma temperatures obtained on TRX-2 also demonstrated the trapped flux related (ohmic dissipation and axial shock) processes