Alpha effect of Alfv{acute e}n waves and current drive in reversed-field pinches

Journal Article · Sun Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1998 · Physics of Plasmas

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.872775· OSTI ID:580025

Litwin, C; Prager, S C ^[1]

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1. Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin, 1150 University Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53706 (United States)

Circularly polarized Alfv{acute e}n waves give rise to an {alpha}-dynamo effect that can be exploited to drive parallel current. In a {open_quotes}laminar{close_quotes} magnetic the effect is weak and does not give rise to significant currents for realistic parameters (e.g., in tokamaks). However, in reversed-field pinches (RFPs) in which magnetic field in the plasma core is stochastic, a significant enhancement of the {alpha} effect occurs. Estimates of this effect show that it may be a realistic method of current generation in the present-day RFP experiments and possibly also in future RFP-based fusion reactors. {copyright} {ital 1998 American Institute of Physics.}

• OSTI ID: 580025
• Journal Information: Physics of Plasmas, Vol. 5, Issue 3; Other Information: PBD: Mar 1998
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION
ALFVEN WAVES
NON-INDUCTIVE CURRENT DRIVE
POLARIZATION
REVERSED-FIELD PINCH DEVICES
PINCH EFFECT
STOCHASTIC PROCESSES