Magnetohydrodynamic Vlasov simulation of the toroidal Alfven eigenmode

Journal Article · Sat Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1995 · Physics of Plasmas

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.871235· OSTI ID:165330

Todo, Y; Sato, T; Watanabe, K; Watanabe, T H; Horiuchi, R ^[1]

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1. Theory and Computer Simulation Center, National Institute for Fusion Science, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-01 (Japan)

A new simulation method has been developed to investigate the excitation and saturation processes of toroidal Alfven eigenmodes (TAE modes). The background plasma is described by a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) fluid model, while the kinetic evolution of energetic alpha particles is followed by the drift kinetic equation. The magnetic fluctuation of {ital n}=2 mode develops and saturates at the level of 1.8{times}10{sup {minus}3} of the equilibrium field when the initial beta of alpha particles is 2% at the magnetic axis. After saturation, the TAE mode amplitude shows an oscillatory behavior with a frequency corresponding to the bounce frequency of the alpha particles trapped by the TAE mode. The decrease of the power transfer rate from the alpha particles to the TAE mode, which is due to the trapped particle effect of a finite-amplitude wave, causes the saturation. From the linear growth rate the saturation level can be estimated. {copyright} {ital 1995} {ital American} {ital Institute} {ital of} {ital Physics}.

• OSTI ID: 165330
• Journal Information: Physics of Plasmas, Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas Journal Issue: 7 Vol. 2; ISSN 1070-664X; ISSN PHPAEN
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
ALFVEN WAVES
ALPHA PARTICLES
INSTABILITY GROWTH RATES
KINETIC EQUATIONS
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
PLASMA FLUID EQUATIONS
PLASMA SIMULATION
SATURATION