Particle simulations of current-driven drift waves in shearless and sheared magnetic fields
The nonlinear behavior of the collisionless current-driven drift instability in shearless and sheared magnetic fields is studied by means of particle simulation. Electrostatic models with guiding center electrons and full dynamic ions are used in both two-and-one-half and three dimensions. The electron current (J/sub parallel/), in the direction parallel to the magnetic field but perpendicular to the density gradient in the x direction, is maintained throughout the simulation. Instability thresholds, growth rates, real frequency spectra, and mode structures observed in the simulation are in good agreement with theory. Saturation of the unstable modes occurs by a flattening of the electron distribution function in x-v/sub parallel/ space. The measured potential saturation levels and final distribution functions are consistent with a quasilinear plateau theory for both shearless and sheared magnetic field configurations.
- Research Organization:
- Institute for Fusion Studies, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712-1060
- OSTI ID:
- 7163604
- Journal Information:
- Phys. Fluids; (United States), Vol. 29:12
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
COLLISIONLESS PLASMA
DRIFT INSTABILITY
NONLINEAR PROBLEMS
CORRELATIONS
DYNAMICS
GUIDING-CENTER APPROXIMATION
INSTABILITY GROWTH RATES
IONS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
PARTICLES
SATURATION
SHEAR
SIMULATION
THREE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
THRESHOLD ENERGY
TWO-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
CHARGED PARTICLES
ENERGY
INSTABILITY
MECHANICS
PLASMA
PLASMA INSTABILITY
PLASMA MICROINSTABILITIES
700107* - Fusion Energy- Plasma Research- Instabilities