Progress in the peeling-ballooning model of edge localized modes: Numerical studies of nonlinear dynamics

Journal Article · Sun May 15 04:00:00 EDT 2005 · Physics of Plasmas

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1873792· OSTI ID:20736580

Snyder, P B; Wilson, H R; Xu, X Q ^[1]

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1. General Atomics, P.O. Box 85608, San Diego, California 92186-5608 (United States)

Nonlinear three-dimensional electromagnetic simulations are employed to study the dynamics of edge localized modes (ELMs) driven by intermediate wavelength peeling-ballooning modes. It is found that the early behavior of the modes is similar to expectations from linear, ideal peeling-ballooning mode theory, with the modes growing linearly at a fraction of the Alfven frequency. In the nonlinear phase, the modes grow explosively, forming a number of extended filaments which propagate rapidly from the outer closed flux region into the open flux region toward the outboard wall. Similarities to nonlinear ballooning theory as well as additional complexities are observed. Comparison to observations reveals a number of similarities. Implications of the simulations and proposals for the dynamics of the full ELM crash are discussed.

• OSTI ID: 20736580
• Journal Information: Physics of Plasmas, Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 12; ISSN PHPAEN; ISSN 1070-664X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
BALLOONING INSTABILITY
EDGE LOCALIZED MODES
NONLINEAR PROBLEMS
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS
PLASMA SIMULATION
THREE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
WALL EFFECTS