ROLES OF MAGNETIC HELICITY IN PLASMA-CONFINEMENT

Principal properties of the magnetic helicity are reviewed with pointing out its basic roles in the fusion plasma theory. Approximate conservation of the total helicity in a toroidal plasma characterizes a typical MHD relaxation process which leads to a force-free plasma equilibrium. The distribution of the plasma current is determined by the helicity transport. Transformer induction injects helicity flux into a toroidal plasma system. Oscillating field can also transport the helicity with driving a parallel (force-free) current. © 1990 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.