Study of ICRF wave propagation and plasma coupling efficiency in a linear magnetic mirror device

Technical Report · Mon Jul 01 00:00:00 EDT 1991

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5003591· OSTI ID:5003591

Peng, S Y

Ion Cyclotron Range of Frequency (ICRF) wave propagation in an inhomogeneous axial magnetic field in a cylindrical plasma-vacuum system has historically been inadequately modelled. Previous works either sacrifice the cylindrical geometry in favor of a simpler slab geometry, concentrate on the resonance region, use a single mode to represent the entire field structure, or examine only radial propagation. This thesis performs both analytical and computational studies to model the ICRF wave-plasma coupling and propagation problem. Experimental analysis is also conducted to compare experimental results with theoretical predictions. Both theoretical as well as experimental analysis are undertaken as part of the thesis. The theoretical studies simulate the propagation of ICRF waves in an axially inhomogeneous magnetic field and in cylindrical geometry. Two theoretical analysis are undertaken - an analytical study and a computational study. The analytical study treats the inhomogeneous magnetic field by transforming the (r,z) coordinate into another coordinate system ({rho},{xi}) that allows the solution of the fields with much simpler boundaries. The plasma fields are then Fourier transformed into two coupled convolution-integral equations which are then differenced and solved for both the perpendicular mode number {alpha} as well as the complete EM fields. The computational study involves a multiple eigenmode computational analysis of the fields that exist within the plasma-vacuum system. The inhomogeneous axial field is treated by dividing the geometry into a series of transverse axial slices and using a constant dielectric tensor in each individual slice. The slices are then connected by longitudinal boundary conditions.

• Research Organization: Massachusetts Inst. of Tech., Cambridge, MA (United States). Plasma Fusion Center
• Sponsoring Organization: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-78ET51013
• OSTI ID: 5003591
• Report Number(s): DOE/ET/51013-T244; PFC/RR-99-11; ON: DE92002787
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Thesis (Ph.D)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
MAGNETIC MIRRORS
ICR HEATING
WAVE PROPAGATION
BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
EFFICIENCY
MAGNETIC FIELDS
PLASMA DIAGNOSTICS
HEATING
HIGH-FREQUENCY HEATING
OPEN PLASMA DEVICES
PLASMA HEATING
THERMONUCLEAR DEVICES
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