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Ponderomotive and sideband coupling effects of ion-cyclotron heating on interchange stability

Journal Article · · Phys. Fluids; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.865239· OSTI ID:5424380
Two-fluid theory is used to calculate the nonlinear effect of a finite-amplitude ion-cyclotron wave on the simple interchange stability of a magnetically confined plasma. The ion-cyclotron wave nonlinearly modifies interchange stability through ponderomotive effects and coupling to sidebands of the ion-cyclotron wave. Nonlinear stability criteria for flute modes are derived. The nonuniformity and polarization of the ion-cyclotron wave significantly influence the results. A theoretical explanation for recent experimental observations in axisymmetric mirror and tandem mirror plasmas of reduced levels of magnetohydrodynamic activity in the presence of ion-cyclotron resonant heating remains elusive.
Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, University of California, Livermore, California 94550
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
5424380
Journal Information:
Phys. Fluids; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Fluids; (United States) Vol. 28:9; ISSN PFLDA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English