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Title: Numerical modeling of diffusive heat transport across magnetic islands and highly stochastic layers

Journal Article · · Physics of Plasmas
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.2722980· OSTI ID:20974982
; ; ;  [1]
  1. Max-Planck-Institut fuer Plasmaphysik, EURATOM Association, 85748 Garching (Germany)

Diffusive heat transport across magnetic islands and highly stochastic layers is studied numerically for realistic values of {chi}{sub parallel}/{chi}{sub perpendicular} in cylindrical geometry, where {chi}{sub parallel} denotes the heat diffusion coefficient parallel and {chi}{sub perpendicular} the one perpendicular to the magnetic field lines. The computations are performed with a second-order finite difference scheme, for which the numerical errors are independent from the value of {chi}{sub parallel}/{chi}{sub perpendicular} [S. Guenter et al., J. Comput. Phys. 209, 354 (2005)]. Sufficient spatial resolution is ensured by using an unsheared helical coordinate system. The heat flux around magnetic islands as well as the effective radial heat diffusivity {chi}{sub r} are examined and compared to analytical theory. The temperature perturbations caused by magnetic islands and the resulting bootstrap current perturbations essential for the stability of neoclassical tearing modes are analyzed and compared to analytical predictions [R. Fitzpatrick, Phys. Plasmas 2, 825 (1995)]. Agreement is found in the 'small' and 'large' island limits, but an enhanced NTM drive is observed in between. A correction factor that can reproduce the numerical results very well is presented. For a highly stochastic layer, produced by five strongly overlapping islands, the radial heat diffusivity {chi}{sub r} is determined and compared to several analytical theories.

OSTI ID:
20974982
Journal Information:
Physics of Plasmas, Vol. 14, Issue 5; Other Information: DOI: 10.1063/1.2722980; (c) 2007 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1070-664X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English