On the stabilization of neoclassical magnetohydrodynamic tearing modes using localized current drive or heating

Journal Article · Fri Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1997 · Physics of Plasmas

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.872426· OSTI ID:526923

Hegna, C C; Callen, J D ^[1]

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1. Departments of Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics and Physics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706-1687 (United States)

The effectiveness of using localized current drive or heating to suppress the formation and growth of neoclassical magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) tearing modes is addressed. The most efficient way to use an auxiliary current source is to cause current to flow in the same direction as the equilibrium bootstrap current and phase the current relative to the magnetic island such that the current is deposited on the O-point of the island. Theoretical estimates for the amount of required current to suppress the formation of a large magnetic island is of order a few percent of the equilibrium current. If the suppression is successful, the magnetic island will saturate at a width of order the radial localization width of the current source. Localized heating at the O-point of the magnetic island can also produce stabilizing effects relative to magnetic island growth. The effects of the driven current or heating can be illustrated by using a phase diagram of the island growth. {copyright} {ital 1997 American Institute of Physics.}

• DOE Contract Number: FG02-86ER53218; FG02-92ER54139
• OSTI ID: 526923
• Journal Information: Physics of Plasmas, Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas Journal Issue: 8 Vol. 4; ISSN PHPAEN; ISSN 1070-664X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
CHARGED-PARTICLE TRANSPORT
CURRENT-DRIVE HEATING
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
PLASMA HEATING
STABILIZATION
TEARING INSTABILITY
TOKAMAK DEVICES