Nonlinear saturation of single-mode trapped electron instability

Journal Article · Fri Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1985 · Phys. Fluids; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.865326· OSTI ID:5141987

Kim, S Y; Sen, A K

The trapped electron instability, like other types of drift waves, may appear as a single mode in many linear plasma devices. Recognizing the significant variation of density gradient over the mode localization region, a nonlocal linear analysis in slab model yields eigenfunctions for Weber-like equations. Using three-wave, nonresonant, two-dimensional mode coupling based on these Weber-like eigenfunctions, two mode-coupling equations for the fundamental and higher-order radial harmonics are derived. The solution of these coupled equations yields the nonlinear saturation level of the unstable mode. Mode coupling to the damped higher-order radial modes is the principal physical saturation mechanism of the unstable fundamental mode.

• Research Organization: Plasma Research Laboratory, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027
• OSTI ID: 5141987
• Journal Information: Phys. Fluids; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Fluids; (United States) Vol. 28:11; ISSN PFLDA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700107* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Instabilities
COUPLING
DRIFT INSTABILITY
EIGENFUNCTIONS
FUNCTIONS
INSTABILITY
NONLINEAR PROBLEMS
OSCILLATION MODES
PLASMA
PLASMA INSTABILITY
PLASMA MACROINSTABILITIES
PLASMA MICROINSTABILITIES
SATURATION
TRAPPED-PARTICLE INSTABILITY
TWO-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS