Quasilinear diffusion modeling of the alpha-loss-cone instability in a tandem-mirror reactor

Journal Article · Sun Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1989 · Physics of Fluids B: Plasma Physics; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.859068· OSTI ID:5550576

Ho, S K; Smith, G R; Miley, G H ^[1]

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1. Fusion Studies Laboratory, Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801 (US)

The anisotropic loss-cone distribution of fusion-born alpha particles in a mirror system is capable of destabilizing low-frequency plasma waves. A one-and-one-half-dimensional quasilinear diffusion model is developed to study the nonlinear evolution of the alpha distribution function resulting from enhanced diffusion in velocity space and radial position driven by the unstable Alfven wave. It is found that pitch-angle scattering of the resonant alphas into the loss cone causes significant losses while radial losses are negligible for a reactor-size plasma. For a typical tandem-mirror reactor, the alpha plasma heating is greatly reduced and ignition in the central cell cannot be achieved.

• OSTI ID: 5550576
• Journal Information: Physics of Fluids B: Plasma Physics; (USA), Vol. 1:10; ISSN 0899-8221
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
PLASMA
LOSS CONE INSTABILITY
TANDEM MIRRORS
PLASMA MICROINSTABILITIES
ALFVEN WAVES
ALPHA PARTICLES
AUGMENTATION
DIFFUSION
DISTRIBUTION FUNCTIONS
INHIBITION
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
PLASMA HEATING
PLASMA INSTABILITY
PLASMA WAVES
RESONANCE
SCATTERING
THERMONUCLEAR REACTORS
VELOCITY
CHARGED PARTICLES
FUNCTIONS
HEATING
HYDROMAGNETIC WAVES
INSTABILITY
MAGNETIC MIRRORS
OPEN PLASMA DEVICES
THERMONUCLEAR DEVICES
700107* - Fusion Energy- Plasma Research- Instabilities