Kinetic theory of toroidicity-induced Alfven eigenmode
An analytic kinetic description of the toroidicity-induced Alfven eigenmode (TAE) is presented. The theory includes electron parallel dynamics non-perturbatively, an effect which is found to strongly influence the character and damping of the TAE --- contrary to previous theoretical predictions. We use a parallel conductivity model that includes collisionless (Landau) damping on the passing electrons and collisional damping on both trapped and passing electrons. Together, these mechanisms damp the TAE more strongly than previously expected. This is because the TAE couples (or merges) with the kinetic Alfven wave (KAW) if the gap is sufficiently thin and/or the magnitude of the conductivity is sufficiently small. The high damping could be relevant to recent experimental measurements of the TAE damping coefficient. In addition, the theory predicts a kinetic'' TAE, whose eigenfrequency lies just above the gap, whose existence depends on finite conductivity, and which is formed by the coupling of two KAWs.
- Research Organization:
- Texas Univ., Austin, TX (United States). Inst. for Fusion Studies
- Sponsoring Organization:
- DOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- FG05-80ET53088
- OSTI ID:
- 5729935
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/ET/53088-543; IFSR--543; ON: DE92010424
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
700330* -- Plasma Kinetics
Transport
& Impurities-- (1992-)
700340 -- Plasma Waves
Oscillations
& Instabilities-- (1992-)
ALFVEN WAVES
CLOSED PLASMA DEVICES
DAMPING
DISPERSION RELATIONS
ENERGY
EQUILIBRIUM
HYDROMAGNETIC WAVES
KINETIC ENERGY
LANDAU DAMPING
MHD EQUILIBRIUM
THERMONUCLEAR DEVICES
TOKAMAK DEVICES