Theory of ideal ballooning modes in a tokamak

Journal Article · Sun Nov 01 00:00:00 EST 1987 · Sov. J. Plasma Phys. (Engl. Transl.); (United States)

OSTI ID:5153374

Mikhailovskii, A B; Novakovskii, S V; Sharapov, S E

The results which have previously been derived in the theory of ideal ballooning modes in a tokamak in the weak ballooning approximation are discussed and critically analyzed. As part of the this analysis, a study is made of the question of calculating the coefficients in the average ballooning equation, rigorous and heuristic methods for solving this equation, the role played by compressibility, and the interrelationship between ballooning modes and Mercier modes. Under the simplifying assumption that equilibrium plasma parameters are close to the Mercier stability boundary, analytic expressions are derived for the growth rates of the ballooning modes, for Mercier modes, and for perturbations which are hybrids of these modes. The study of the even modes: the modes which are customarily examined: is supplemented with a study of odd modes. Ballooning effects may cause the growth rates of the Mercier modes to decrease or increase, depending on the sign of the ballooning coefficient.

• Research Organization: I. V. Kurchatov Institute of Atomic Energy, Moscow
• OSTI ID: 5153374
• Journal Information: Sov. J. Plasma Phys. (Engl. Transl.); (United States), Vol. 13:11
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
TOKAMAK DEVICES
BALLOONING INSTABILITY
DISPERSION RELATIONS
MERCIER CRITERION
PFIRSCH-SCHLUETER REGIME
CLOSED PLASMA DEVICES
INSTABILITY
PLASMA INSTABILITY
PLASMA MACROINSTABILITIES
THERMONUCLEAR DEVICES
700107* - Fusion Energy- Plasma Research- Instabilities