Continuum modes in rotating plasmas: General equations and continuous spectra for large aspect ratio tokamaks

Journal Article · Thu Sep 15 00:00:00 EDT 2011 · Physics of Plasmas

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3628302· OSTI ID:22043469

Lakhin, V P ^[1]; Ilgisonis, V I ^[1]

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1. NRC ''Kurchatov Institute'', 1 Kurchatov Sqr., Moscow 123182 (Russian Federation)

A theory for localized low-frequency ideal magnetohydrodynamical (MHD) modes in axisymmetric toroidal systems is generalized to take into account both toroidal and poloidal equilibrium plasma flows. The general set of equations describing the coupling of shear Alfven and slow (sound) modes and defining the continuous spectrum of rotating plasmas in axisymmetric toroidal systems is derived. The equations are applied to study the continuous spectra in large aspect ratio tokamaks. The unstable continuous modes in the case of predominantly poloidal plasma rotation with the angular velocity exceeding the sound frequency are found. Their stabilization by the shear Alfven coupling effect is studied.

• OSTI ID: 22043469
• Journal Information: Physics of Plasmas, Vol. 18, Issue 9; Other Information: (c) 2011 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1070-664X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ALFVEN WAVES
ANGULAR VELOCITY
ASPECT RATIO
AXIAL SYMMETRY
CONFINEMENT
COUPLING
EQUILIBRIUM PLASMA
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
ROTATING PLASMA
SOUND WAVES
SPECTRA
STABILIZATION
TOKAMAK DEVICES