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Title: Nonlinear gyrokinetic equations for low-frequency electromagnetic waves in general plasma equilibria

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6005798· OSTI ID:6005798

A nonlinear gyrokinetic formalism for low-frequency (less than the cyclotron frequency) microscopic electromagnetic perturbations in general magnetic field configurations is developed. The nonlinear equations thus derived are valid in the strong-turbulence regime and contain effects due to finite Larmor radius, plasma inhomogeneities, and magentic field geometries. The specific case of axisymmetric tokamaks is then considered, and a model nonlinear equation is derived for electrostatic drift waves. Also, applying the formalism to the shear Alfven wave heating sceme, it is found that nonlinear ion Landau damping of kinetic shear-Alfven waves is modified, both qualitatively and quantitatively, by the diamagnetic drift effects. In particular, wave energy is found to cascade in wavenumber instead of frequency.

Research Organization:
Princeton Plasma Physics Lab. (PPPL), Princeton, NJ (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-76CH03073
OSTI ID:
6005798
Report Number(s):
PPPL-1834; ON: DE82002290; TRN: 82-001376
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English