Analytical theory of nonlinear drift-tearing mode stability

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1987 · Phys. Fluids; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.866065· OSTI ID:7054842

Scott, B D; Hassam, A B

An analytical theory of the nonlinear stability of drift-tearing modes in the semicollisional regime is presented. It is shown that the overall stability depends critically on the initial island width and the plasma beta. Linear and quasilinear treatments demonstrate that islands smaller than the linear tearing layer are stabilized completely by the influence of the electron temperature gradient. A nonlinear theory is developed for larger islands. Standard algebraic growth is obtained unless diamagnetic effects are strong, in which case the time-asymptotic stability is dependent on the density and temperature profiles.

• Research Organization: Laboratory for Plasma and Fusion Energy Studies, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742
• OSTI ID: 7054842
• Journal Information: Phys. Fluids; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Fluids; (United States) Vol. 30:1; ISSN PFLDA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700107* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Instabilities
ADIABATIC PROCESSES
ANALYTICAL SOLUTION
ASYMPTOTIC SOLUTIONS
BETA RATIO
COLLISIONAL PLASMA
DRIFT INSTABILITY
ELECTRON TEMPERATURE
INSTABILITY
INSTABILITY GROWTH RATES
LAYERS
MAGNETIC FIELD CONFIGURATIONS
MAGNETIC ISLANDS
NONLINEAR PROBLEMS
PLASMA
PLASMA INSTABILITY
PLASMA MACROINSTABILITIES
PLASMA MICROINSTABILITIES
STABILITY
TEARING INSTABILITY
TEMPERATURE GRADIENTS