Two-Dimensional Theta-Pinch Dynamics with Transverse Magnetic Fields

The complete set of equations for the two-fluid model of a fully ionized plasma, the parameters of which depend on two spatial dimensions and time, is solved by a computer program. This program is applied to the problem of plasma rotation in a theta pinch caused by transverse multipole fields. The results show that the plasma does not rotate like a cylindrical rigid body, rather the velocity varies strongly with azimuth. Moreover, the rotation changes direction along the radius. Therefore, transfer of angular momentum from outside is not necessary for the existence of rotation. Even in small transverse fields (B ∼ 500 G) the rise time for the angular velocity is of the order of 10−7 sec and very short compared with those obtained from previous theoretical models.