Gyrokinetic {delta}f simulation of the collisionless and semicollisional tearing mode instability

Journal Article · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 2005 · Physics of Plasmas

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1827216· OSTI ID:20657955

Wan, W; Chen, Y; Parker, S E ^[1]

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1. University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309 (United States)

The evolution of collisionless and semicollisional tearing mode instabilities is studied using an electromagnetic gyrokinetic {delta}f particle-in-cell simulation model. Drift-kinetic electrons are used. Linear eigenmode analysis is presented for the case of fixed ions and there is excellent agreement with simulation. A double peaked eigenmode structure is seen indicative of a positive {delta}{sup '}. Nonlinear evolution of a magnetic island is studied and the results compare well with existing theory in terms of saturation level and electron bounce oscillations. Electron-ion collisions are included to study the semicollisional regime. The algebraic growth stage is observed and compares favorably with theory. Nonlinear saturation following the algebraic stage is observed.

• OSTI ID: 20657955
• Journal Information: Physics of Plasmas, Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 12; ISSN PHPAEN; ISSN 1070-664X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
ELECTRON-ION COLLISIONS
MAGNETIC ISLANDS
NONLINEAR PROBLEMS
PLASMA SIMULATION
TEARING INSTABILITY