Relativistic theory of radiofrequency current drive

Journal Article · Wed May 01 00:00:00 EDT 1991 · Physics of Fluids B; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.859814· OSTI ID:5460797

Balescu, R; Metens, T ^[1]

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1. Physique Statistique et Plasmas, Association Euratom-Etat Belge pour la Fusion, CP 231, Universite Libre de Bruxelles, Campus Plaine, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium (BE)

A fully relativistic kinetic theory of rf current drive in a tokamak is developed for both the lower hybrid and the electron cyclotron mechanisms. The problem is treated as a generalization of the classical transport equations, in which the thermodynamic forces are modified by the addition of a rf-source term. In the limit of weak rf amplitude and neglecting toroidal effects (such as particle trapping), explicit analytical expressions are obtained for the rf-generated current, the dissipated power, and the current drive efficiency. These expressions are fully relativistic and are valid over the whole admissible range of frequencies and for all electron temperatures. The relation between efficiency and parallel relativistic transport coefficients is exhibited. The most important relativistic effect is a dramatic broadening of the frequency range over which the rf-generated current is significantly different from zero.

• OSTI ID: 5460797
• Journal Information: Physics of Fluids B; (USA), Vol. 3:5; ISSN 0899-8221
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
COLLISIONAL PLASMA
CURRENT-DRIVE HEATING
TOKAMAK DEVICES
PLASMA HEATING
ANALYTICAL SOLUTION
CLASSICAL MECHANICS
ECR HEATING
KINETIC EQUATIONS
LANDAU DAMPING
LOWER HYBRID HEATING
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MOMENTUM TRANSFER
RELATIVISTIC PLASMA
RF SYSTEMS
TRANSPORT THEORY
CLOSED PLASMA DEVICES
DAMPING
ELECTRIC HEATING
EQUATIONS
HEATING
HIGH-FREQUENCY HEATING
JOULE HEATING
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RESISTANCE HEATING
THERMONUCLEAR DEVICES
700101* - Fusion Energy- Plasma Research- Confinement
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700108 - Fusion Energy- Plasma Research- Wave Phenomena