Ideal MHD stability of double transport barrier plasmas in DIII-D

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, G. Q.; Wang, S. J.; Lao, L. L.; Turnbull, A. D.; Chu, M. S.; Brennan, D. P.; Groebner, R. J.; Zhao, L.

2008-01-01

The ideal MHD stability for double transport barrier (DTB or DB) plasmas with varying edge and internal barrier width and height was investigated, using the ideal MHD stability code GATO. A moderate ratio of edge transport barriers (ETB) height to internal transport barriers (ITBs) height is found to be beneficial to MHD stability and the βN is limited by global low n instabilities. For moderate ITB width DB plasmas, if the ETB is weak, the stability is limited by n = 1 (n is the toroidal mode number) global mode; whereas if the ETB is strong it is limited by intermediate-n edge peeling-ballooning modes. Broadening the ITB can improve stability if the ITB half width wi lsim 0.3. For very broad ITB width plasmas the stability is limited by stability to a low n (n > 1) global mode.

Axisymmetric magnetic modes of neutron stars having mixed poloidal and toroidal magnetic fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Umin

2018-05-01

We calculate axisymmetric magnetic modes of a neutron star possessing a mixed poloidal and toroidal magnetic field, where the toroidal field is assumed to be proportional to a dimensionless parameter ζ0. Here, we assume an isentropic structure for the neutron star and consider no effects of rotation. Ignoring the equilibrium deformation due to the magnetic field, we employ a polytrope of the index n = 1 as the background model for our modal analyses. For the mixed poloidal and toroidal magnetic field with ζ _0\

Verification of gyrokinetic particle simulation of current-driven instability in fusion plasmas. I. Internal kink mode

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McClenaghan, J.; Lin, Z.; Holod, I.

The gyrokinetic toroidal code (GTC) capability has been extended for simulating internal kink instability with kinetic effects in toroidal geometry. The global simulation domain covers the magnetic axis, which is necessary for simulating current-driven instabilities. GTC simulation in the fluid limit of the kink modes in cylindrical geometry is verified by benchmarking with a magnetohydrodynamic eigenvalue code. Gyrokinetic simulations of the kink modes in the toroidal geometry find that ion kinetic effects significantly reduce the growth rate even when the banana orbit width is much smaller than the radial width of the perturbed current layer at the mode rational surface.

Measurements of the toroidal torque balance of error field penetration locked modes

DOE PAGES

Shiraki, Daisuke; Paz-Soldan, Carlos; Hanson, Jeremy M.; ...

2015-01-05

Here, detailed measurements from the DIII-D tokamak of the toroidal dynamics of error field penetration locked modes under the influence of slowly evolving external fields, enable study of the toroidal torques on the mode, including interaction with the intrinsic error field. The error field in these low density Ohmic discharges is well known based on the mode penetration threshold, allowing resonant and non-resonant torque effects to be distinguished. These m/n = 2/1 locked modes are found to be well described by a toroidal torque balance between the resonant interaction with n = 1 error fields, and a viscous torque inmore » the electron diamagnetic drift direction which is observed to scale as the square of the perturbed field due to the island. Fitting to this empirical torque balance allows a time-resolved measurement of the intrinsic error field of the device, providing evidence for a time-dependent error field in DIII-D due to ramping of the Ohmic coil current.« less

GTC simulations of ion temperature gradient driven instabilities in W7-X and LHD stellarators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Hongyu

2017-10-01

We report GTC linear simulations of ion temperature gradient (ITG) instabilities in Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) and Large Helical Device (LHD) stellarators. GTC has recently been updated to treat 3D equilibria by interfacing with MHD equilibrium code VMEC. GTC simulations of ITG have been carried out in both full torus and partial torus taking into account the toroidal periodicity of the stellarators. The effects of toroidal mode coupling on linear dispersions and mode structures in W7-X and LHD are studied. The mode structure in W7-X is more localized in the toroidal direction, and LHD is more extended in the toroidal direction and tokamak-like. Linear growth rates, real frequencies, and mode structures agree reasonably with results of EUTERPE simulations. In collaboration with I. Holod, J. Riemann, Z. Lin, J. Bao, L. Shi, S. Taimourzadeh, R. Kleiber, and M. Borchardt.

Shuttleless toroid winder

DOEpatents

Lindenmeyer, Carl W.

1981-01-01

A lower support receives a toroid at a winding station with the axis of the toroid aligned with a slot in the support. An upper guide member applies an axial force to hold the toroid against the lower support. A pair of movable jaws carried by an indexing mechanism engage the outer surface of the toroid to apply a radial holding force. While the toroid is thus held, a wire is placed axially through the toroid, assisted by a funnel-shaped surface in the upper guide member, and is drawn tight about the toroid by a pair of cooperating draw rollers. When operated in the "full cycle" mode, the operator then actuates a switch which energizes a power drive to release the axial clamp and to drive the indexing mechanism and the jaws to rotate the toroid about its axis. At the same time, the wire is ejected from the draw rollers beneath the toroid so that the operator may grasp it to form another loop. When the toroid is fully indexed, the jaws release it, and the upper guide member is returned to clamp the toroid axially while the indexing mechanism is returned to its starting position. The apparatus may also be operated in a "momentary contact" mode in which the mechanism is driven only for the time a switch is actuated.

Predictions of toroidal rotation and torque sources arising in non-axisymmetric perturbed magnetic fields in tokamaks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Honda, M.; Satake, S.; Suzuki, Y.; Shinohara, K.; Yoshida, M.; Narita, E.; Nakata, M.; Aiba, N.; Shiraishi, J.; Hayashi, N.; Matsunaga, G.; Matsuyama, A.; Ide, S.

2017-11-01

Capabilities of the integrated framework consisting of TOPICS, OFMC, VMEC and FORTEC-3D, have been extended to calculate toroidal rotation in fully non-axisymmetric perturbed magnetic fields for demonstrating operation scenarios in actual tokamak geometry and conditions. The toroidally localized perturbed fields due to the test blanket modules and the tangential neutral beam ports in ITER augment the neoclassical toroidal viscosity (NTV) substantially, while do not significantly influence losses of beam ions and alpha particles in an ITER L-mode discharge. The NTV takes up a large portion of total torque in ITER and fairly decelerates toroidal rotation, but the change in toroidal rotation may have limited effectiveness against turbulent heat transport. The error field correction coils installed in JT-60SA can externally apply the perturbed fields, which may alter the NTV and the resultant toroidal rotation profiles. However, the non-resonant n=18 components of the magnetic fields arising from the toroidal field ripple mainly contribute to the NTV, regardless of the presence of the applied field by the coil current of 10 kA , where n is the toroidal mode number. The theoretical model of the intrinsic torque due to the fluctuation-induced residual stress is calibrated by the JT-60U data. For five JT-60U discharges, the sign of the calibration factor conformed to the gyrokinetic linear stability analysis and a range of the amplitude thereof was revealed. This semi-empirical approach opens up access to an attempt on predicting toroidal rotation in H-mode plasmas.

Effect of electrode biasing on m/n  =  2/1 tearing modes in J-TEXT experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hai; Hu, Qiming; Chen, Zhipeng; Yu, Q.; Zhu, Lizhi; Cheng, Zhifeng; Zhuang, Ge; Chen, Zhongyong

2017-01-01

The effects of electrode biasing (EB) on the m/n  =  2/1 tearing mode have been experimentally studied in J-TEXT tokamak discharges, where m and n are the poloidal and toroidal mode numbers. It is found that for a negative bias voltage, the mode amplitude is reduced, and the mode frequency is increased accompanied by the increased toroidal plasma rotation speed in the counter-I p direction. For a positive bias voltage, the mode frequency is decreased together with the change of the rotation velocity towards the co-I p direction, and the mode amplitude is increased. Statistic results show that the variations in the toroidal rotation speed, the 2/1 mode frequency and its amplitude linearly depend on the bias voltage. The threshold voltages for complete suppression and locking of the mode are found. The experimental results suggest that applied electrode biasing is a possible method for the avoidance of mode locking and disruption.

Influence of toroidal rotation on resistive tearing modes in tokamaks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, S.; Ma, Z. W.

2015-12-01

Influence of toroidal equilibrium plasma rotation on m/n = 2/1 resistive tearing modes is studied numerically using a 3D toroidal MHD code (CLT). It is found that the toroidal rotation with or without shear can suppress the tearing instability and the Coriolis effect in the toroidal geometry plays a dominant role on the rotation induced stabilization. For a high viscosity plasma (τR/τV ≫ 1, where τR and τV represent resistive and viscous diffusion time, respectively), the effect of the rotation shear combined with the viscosity appears to be stabilizing. For a low viscosity plasmas (τR/τV ≪ 1), the rotation shear shows a destabilizing effect when the rotation is large.

Observation of plasma toroidal-momentum dissipation by neoclassical toroidal viscosity.

PubMed

Zhu, W; Sabbagh, S A; Bell, R E; Bialek, J M; Bell, M G; LeBlanc, B P; Kaye, S M; Levinton, F M; Menard, J E; Shaing, K C; Sontag, A C; Yuh, H

2006-06-09

Dissipation of plasma toroidal angular momentum is observed in the National Spherical Torus Experiment due to applied nonaxisymmetric magnetic fields and their plasma-induced increase by resonant field amplification and resistive wall mode destabilization. The measured decrease of the plasma toroidal angular momentum profile is compared to calculations of nonresonant drag torque based on the theory of neoclassical toroidal viscosity. Quantitative agreement between experiment and theory is found when the effect of toroidally trapped particles is included.

Toroidal gyro-Landau fluid model turbulence simulations in a nonlinear ballooning mode representation with radial modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waltz, R. E.; Kerbel, G. D.; Milovich, J.

1994-07-01

The method of Hammett and Perkins [Phys. Rev. Lett. 64, 3019 (1990)] to model Landau damping has been recently applied to the moments of the gyrokinetic equation with curvature drift by Waltz, Dominguez, and Hammett [Phys. Fluids B 4, 3138 (1992)]. The higher moments are truncated in terms of the lower moments (density, parallel velocity, and parallel and perpendicular pressure) by modeling the deviation from a perturbed Maxwellian to fit the kinetic response function at all values of the kinetic parameters: k∥vth/ω, b=(k⊥ρ)2/2, and ωD/ω. Here the resulting gyro-Landau fluid equations are applied to the simulation of ion temperature gradient (ITG) mode turbulence in toroidal geometry using a novel three-dimensional (3-D) nonlinear ballooning mode representation. The representation is a Fourier transform of a field line following basis (ky',kx',z') with periodicity in toroidal and poloidal angles. Particular emphasis is given to the role of nonlinearly generated n=0 (ky' = 0, kx' ≠ 0) ``radial modes'' in stabilizing the transport from the finite-n ITG ballooning modes. Detailing the parametric dependence of toroidal ITG turbulence is a key result.

The study of the transition regime between slab and mixed slab-toroidal electron temperature gradient modes in a basic experiment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Balbaky, Abed; Sokolov, Vladimir; Sen, Amiya K.

2015-05-15

Electron temperature gradient (ETG) modes are suspected sources of anomalous electron thermal transport in magnetically confined plasmas as in tokamaks. Prior work in the Columbia Linear Machine (CLM) has been able to produce and identify slab ETG modes in a slab geometry [Wei et al., Phys. Plasmas 17, 042108 (2010)]. Now by modifying CLM to introduce curvature to the confining axial magnetic field, we have excited mixed slab-toroidal modes. Linear theory predicts a transition between slab and toroidal ETG modes when (k{sub ∥}R{sub c})/(k{sub y}ρ) ∼1 [J. Kim and W. Horton, Phys. Fluids B 3, 1167 (1991)]. We observe changesmore » in the mode amplitude for levels of curvature R{sub c}{sup −1}≪(k{sub ∥,slab})/(k{sub ⊥}ρ) , which may be explained by reductions in k{sub ∥} in the transition from slab to mixed slab-toroidal modes, as also predicted by theory. We present mode amplitude scaling as a function of magnetic field curvature. Over the range of curvature available in CLM experimentally we find a modest increase in saturated ETG potential fluctuations (∼1.5×), and a substantial increase in the power density of individual mode peaks (∼4–5×)« less

Confinement time exceeding one second for a toroidal electron plasma.

PubMed

Marler, J P; Stoneking, M R

2008-04-18

Nearly steady-state electron plasmas are trapped in a toroidal magnetic field for the first time. We report the first results from a new toroidal electron plasma experiment, the Lawrence Non-neutral Torus II, in which electron densities on the order of 10(7) cm(-3) are trapped in a 270-degree toroidal arc (670 G toroidal magnetic field) by application of trapping potentials to segments of a conducting shell. The total charge inferred from measurements of the frequency of the m=1 diocotron mode is observed to decay on a 3 s time scale, a time scale that approaches the predicted limit due to magnetic pumping transport. Three seconds represents approximately equal to 10(5) periods of the lowest frequency plasma mode, indicating that nearly steady-state conditions are achieved.

Public Data Set: H-mode Plasmas at Very Low Aspect Ratio on the Pegasus Toroidal Experiment

DOE Data Explorer

Thome, Kathreen E. [University of Wisconsin-Madison; Oak Ridge Associated Universities] (ORCID:0000000248013922); Bongard, Michael W. [University of Wisconsin-Madison] (ORCID:0000000231609746); Barr, Jayson L. [University of Wisconsin-Madison] (ORCID:0000000177685931); Bodner, Grant M. [University of Wisconsin-Madison] (ORCID:0000000324979172); Burke, Marcus G. [University of Wisconsin-Madison] (ORCID:0000000176193724); Fonck, Raymond J. [University of Wisconsin-Madison] (ORCID:0000000294386762); Kriete, David M. [University of Wisconsin-Madison] (ORCID:0000000236572911); Perry, Justin M. [University of Wisconsin-Madison] (ORCID:0000000171228609); Reusch, Joshua A. [University of Wisconsin-Madison] (ORCID:0000000284249422); Schlossberg, David J. [University of Wisconsin-Madison] (ORCID:0000000287139448)

2016-09-30

This data set contains openly-documented, machine readable digital research data corresponding to figures published in K.E. Thome et al., 'H-mode Plasmas at Very Low Aspect Ratio on the Pegasus Toroidal Experiment,' Nucl. Fusion 57, 022018 (2017).

Poloidal and toroidal plasmons and fields of multilayer nanorings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garapati, K. V.; Salhi, M.; Kouchekian, S.; Siopsis, G.; Passian, A.

2017-04-01

Composite and janus type metallodielectric nanoparticles are increasingly considered as a means to control the spatial and temporal behavior of electromagnetic fields in diverse applications such as coupling to quantum emitters, achieving invisibility cloaks, and obtaining quantum correlations between qubits. We investigate the surface modes of a toroidal nanostructure and obtain the canonical plasmon dispersion relations and resonance modes for arbitrarily layered nanorings. Unlike particle plasmon eigenmodes in other geometries, the amplitudes of the eigenmodes of tori exhibit a distinct forward and backward coupling. We present the plasmon dispersion relations for several relevant toroidal configurations in the quasistatic limit and obtain the dominant retarded dispersion relations of a single ring for comparison, discuss mode complementarity and hybridization, and introduce two new types of toroidal particles in the form of janus nanorings. The resonance frequencies for the first few dominant modes of a ring composed of plasmon supporting materials such as gold, silver, and aluminum are provided and compared to those for a silicon ring. A generalized Green's function is obtained for multilayer tori allowing for calculation of the scattering response to interacting fields. Employing the Green's function, the scalar electric potential distribution corresponding to individual poloidal and toroidal modes in response to an arbitrarily polarized external field and the field of electrons is obtained. The results are applied to obtain the local density of states and decay rate of a dipole near the center of the torus.

Investigating Trapped Particle Asymmetry Modes and Temperature Effects in the Lawrence Non-neutral Torus II

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nirwan, R.; Swanson, P.; Stoneking, M. R.

2017-10-01

Electron plasma is confined in the Lawrence Non-Neutral Torus II using a purely toroidal magnetic field (R0 = 18 cm, B < 1 kG) for confinement times exceeding 1 second. The LNT II can be configured for fully toroidal traps or variable-length partial toroidal traps. The behavior of the plasma is observed by monitoring the image charge on isolated wall sectors. The plasma is excited by application of a sinusoidal tone burst to selected wall sectors. Phase-space separatrices are introduced by applying squeeze potentials to toroidally localized, but poloidally continuous sectors and the resulting interaction between trapped and passing particles populations results in asymmetry modes and transport. These experiments provide a comparison with similar experiments in cylindrical traps. We also report on the development of temperature measurement techniques and assess temperature affects on diocotron and asymmetry modes. This work is supported by National Science Foundation Grant No. PHY-1202540.

Influence of toroidal rotation on resistive tearing modes in tokamaks

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, S.; Ma, Z. W., E-mail: zwma@zju.edu.cn

Influence of toroidal equilibrium plasma rotation on m/n = 2/1 resistive tearing modes is studied numerically using a 3D toroidal MHD code (CLT). It is found that the toroidal rotation with or without shear can suppress the tearing instability and the Coriolis effect in the toroidal geometry plays a dominant role on the rotation induced stabilization. For a high viscosity plasma (τ{sub R}/τ{sub V} ≫ 1, where τ{sub R} and τ{sub V} represent resistive and viscous diffusion time, respectively), the effect of the rotation shear combined with the viscosity appears to be stabilizing. For a low viscosity plasmas (τ{sub R}/τ{sub V} ≪ 1), the rotation shearmore » shows a destabilizing effect when the rotation is large.« less

Spheroidal and Toroidal Modes for Tidal Kinetic Energy in Spherical Elastic Bodies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Getino, Juan; Escapa, Alberto; Garcia, Amelia

In this work, the total expression of the perturbation of the kinetic energy of rotation, when an elastic spherical solid is deformed due to the gravitational attraction of external bodies, is studied. We do not limit this study to any order in the expansion of the perturbing potential in spherical harmonics, and we consider in the expression of the displacement vector the complete solution, composed by spheroidal and toroidal modes. We show in a very simple way, by using the properties of the Legendre polynomials, that the toroidal modes have no contribution at all under the hypothesis of spherical body, and, among the spheroidal modes, only the term n=2 acts, therefore the perturbation produced by the spheroidal component for n=2 gathers the total perturbation.

Multi-field/-scale interactions of turbulence with neoclassical tearing mode magnetic islands in the DIII-D tokamak

DOE PAGES

Bardoczi, Laszlo; Rhodes, Terry L.; Navarro, Alejandro Banon; ...

2017-03-03

We present the first localized measurements of long and intermediate wavelength turbulent density fluctuations (more » $$\\sim\\atop{n}$$) and long wavelength turbulent electron temperature fluctuations ($$\\sim\\atop{T}$$ e) modified by m/n = 2/1 Neoclassical Tearing Mode (NTM) islands (m and n are the poloidal and toroidal mode numbers, respectively). These long and intermediate wavelengths correspond to the expected Ion Temperature Gradient and Trapped Electron Mode scales, respectively. Two regimes have been observed when tracking $$\\sim\\atop{n}$$ during NTM evolution: (1) small islands are characterized by a steep T e radial profile and turbulence levels comparable to those of the background; (2) large islands have a flat T e profile and reduced turbulence level at the O-point. Radially outside the large island, the T e profile is steeper and the turbulence level increased compared to the no or small island case. Reduced turbulence at the O-point compared to the X-point leads to a 15% modulation of $$\\sim\\atop{n}$$ 2 across the island that is nearly in phase with the T e modulation. Qualitative comparisons to the GENE non-linear gyrokinetic code are promising with GENE replicating the observed scaling of turbulence modification with island size. Furthermore, these results are significant as they allow the validation of gyrokinetic simulations modeling the interaction of these multi-scale phenomena.« less

Impact of perturbative, non-axisymmetric impurity fueling on Alcator C-Mod H-modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reinke, M. L.; Lore, J. D.; Terry, J.; Brunner, D.; LaBombard, B.; Lipschultz, B.; Hubbard, A.; Hughes, J. W.; Mumgaard, R.; Pitts, R. A.

2017-12-01

Experiments on Alcator C-Mod have been performed to investigate the impact of toroidally localized impurity injection on H-mode exhaust scenarios. Results help to inform sub-divertor gas injector designs, in particular that of the ITER machine, for which this work was primarily undertaken. In repeated EDA H-modes, the amount of N2 injected into the private flux region was scanned up to levels which strongly impacted normalized energy confinement, H98, and led to an H/L back-transition. Repeated scans increased the toroidal peaking of the gas injection, reducing from five equally spaced locations to a single toroidal and poloidal injector. Results show the impact on the pedestal and core plasma is similar between all cases as long as the total gas injection rate is held constant. An influence on toroidally localized impurity spectroscopy is shown, demonstrating a complication in using such data in interpreting experiments and supporting boundary modeling in cases where there are localized extrinsic or intrinsic impurity sources. These results, along with prior work in this area on Alcator C-Mod, form a comprehensive set of L-mode and H-mode data to be used for validation of 3D boundary physics codes.

Interpretations of the impact of cross-field drifts on divertor flows in DIII-D with UEDGE

DOE PAGES

Jaervinen, Aaro E.; Allen, Steve L.; Groth, Mathias; ...

2017-01-27

Simulations using the multi-fluid code UEDGE indicates that, in low confinement (Lmode) plasmas in DIII-D, recycling driven flows dominate poloidal particle flows in the divertor, whereas E×B drift flows dominate the radial particle flows. In contrast, in high confinement (H-mode) conditions E×B drift flows dominate both poloidal and radial particle flows in the divertor. UEDGE indicates that the toroidal C 2+ flow velocities in the divertor plasma are entrained within 30% to the background deuterium flow in both Land H-mode plasmas in the plasma region where the CIII 465 nm emission is measured. Therefore, UEDGE indicates that the Carbon Dopplermore » Coherence Imaging System (CIS), measuring the toroidal velocity of the C 2+ ions, can provide insight to the deuterium flows in the divertor. Parallel-to-B velocity dominates the toroidal divertor flow; direct drift impact being less than 1%. Toroidal divertor flow is predicted to reverse when the magnetic field is reversed. This is explained by the parallel-B flow towards the nearest divertor plate corresponding to opposite toroidal directions in opposite toroidal field configurations. Due to strong poloidal E×B flows in H-mode, net poloidal particle transport can be in opposite direction than the poloidal component of the parallel-B plasma flow.« less

The linear tearing instability in three dimensional, toroidal gyro-kinetic simulations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hornsby, W. A., E-mail: william.hornsby@ipp.mpg.de; Migliano, P.; Buchholz, R.

2015-02-15

Linear gyro-kinetic simulations of the classical tearing mode in three-dimensional toroidal geometry were performed using the global gyro-kinetic turbulence code, GKW. The results were benchmarked against a cylindrical ideal MHD and analytical theory calculations. The stability, growth rate, and frequency of the mode were investigated by varying the current profile, collisionality, and the pressure gradients. Both collisionless and semi-collisional tearing modes were found with a smooth transition between the two. A residual, finite, rotation frequency of the mode even in the absence of a pressure gradient is observed, which is attributed to toroidal finite Larmor-radius effects. When a pressure gradientmore » is present at low collisionality, the mode rotates at the expected electron diamagnetic frequency. However, the island rotation reverses direction at high collisionality. The growth rate is found to follow a η{sup 1∕7} scaling with collisional resistivity in the semi-collisional regime, closely following the semi-collisional scaling found by Fitzpatrick. The stability of the mode closely follows the stability analysis as performed by Hastie et al. using the same current and safety factor profiles but for cylindrical geometry, however, here a modification due to toroidal coupling and pressure effects is seen.« less

Poloidal and toroidal plasmons and fields of multilayer nanorings

DOE PAGES

Garapati, K. V.; Salhi, M.; Kouchekian, S.; ...

2017-04-17

Composite and janus type metallodielectric nanoparticles are increasingly considered as a means to control the spatial and temporal behavior of electromagnetic fields in diverse applications such as coupling to quantum emitters, achieving invisibility cloaks, and obtaining quantum correlations between qubits. We investigate the surface modes of a toroidal nanostructure and obtain the canonical plasmon dispersion relations and resonance modes for arbitrarily layered nanorings. Unlike particle plasmon eigenmodes in other geometries, the amplitudes of the eigenmodes of tori exhibit a distinct forward and backward coupling. We present the plasmon dispersion relations for several relevant toroidal configurations in the quasistatic limit andmore » obtain the dominant retarded dispersion relations of a single ring for comparison, discuss mode complementarity and hybridization, and introduce two new types of toroidal particles in the form of janus nanorings. The resonance frequencies for the first few dominant modes of a ring composed of plasmon supporting materials such as gold, silver, and aluminum are provided and compared to those for a silicon ring. A generalized Green's function is obtained for multilayer tori allowing for calculation of the scattering response to interacting fields. Employing the Green's function, the scalar electric potential distribution corresponding to individual poloidal and toroidal modes in response to an arbitrarily polarized external field and the field of electrons is obtained. The results are applied to obtain the local density of states and decay rate of a dipole near the center of the torus.« less

Direct observations of L-I-H and H-I-L transitions with the X-point reciprocating probe in ASDEX Upgrade

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Müller, S. H.; Conway, G. D.; Birkenmeier, G.

A reciprocating Langmuir probe was used to directly measure the behavior of turbulence and flows in the X-point region during transitions between low-(L) and high-confinement (H) mode in ASDEX Upgrade. The probe traverses the divertor horizontally in 140 ms, typically 2–5 cm below the X-point. Toroidal Mach number, density, floating potential (ϕ{sub f}), and electron temperature (T{sub e}) are measured. In the regime accessible to the probe (P{sub inj}<1.5 MW, line-integrated core density <4×10{sup 19} m{sup −2}), the L-H transition features an intermediate phase (I-phase), characterized by limit-cycle oscillations at 0.5–3 kHz [Conway et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 106, 065001 (2011)]. The probe measurements revealmore » that this pulsing affects both the density and the toroidal Mach number. It is present in both the low-(LFS) and high-field sides (HFS) of the scrape-off layer, while high-amplitude broadband turbulence usually dominates the private-flux region. Profile comparisons between L-mode and I-phase show lower density in pulsing regions and small shifts in T{sub e}, directed oppositely on LFS and HFS, which are compensated by shifts in ϕ{sub f} to yield a surprisingly unchanged plasma potential profile. Directly observed L-I-phase transitions reveal that the onset of the pulsing is preceded by a fast 50% density drop in the HFS X-point region. Back transitions to L-mode occur essentially symmetrically, with the pulsing stopping first, followed by a fast recovery to L-mode density levels in the divertor.« less

Scrape-off-layer currents during MHD activity and disruptions in HBT-EP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levesque, J. P.; Desanto, S.; Battey, A.; Bialek, J.; Brooks, J. W.; Mauel, M. E.; Navratil, G. A.

2017-10-01

We report scrape-off layer (SOL) current measurements during MHD mode activity and disruptions in the HBT-EP tokamak. Currents are measured via Rogowski coils mounted on tiles in the low-field-side SOL, toroidal jumpers between otherwise-isolated vessel sections, and segmented plasma current Rogowski coils. These currents strongly depend on the plasma's major radius, mode amplitude, and mode phase. Plasma current asymmetries and SOL currents during disruptions reach 4% of the plasma current. Asymmetric toroidal currents between vessel sections rotate at tens of kHz through most of the current quench, then symmetrize once Ip reaches 30% of its pre-disruptive value. Toroidal jumper currents oscillate between co- and counter-Ip, with co-Ip being dominant on average during disruptions. Increases in local plasma current correlate with counter-Ip current in the nearest toroidal jumper. Measurements are interpreted in the context of two models that produce contrary predictions for the toroidal vessel current polarity during disruptions. Plasma current asymmetries are consistent with both models, and scale with plasma displacement toward the wall. Progress of ongoing SOL current diagnostic upgrades is also presented. Supported by U.S. DOE Grant DE-FG02-86ER53222.

Investigation of intrinsic toroidal rotation scaling in KSTAR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoo, J. W.; Lee, S. G.; Ko, S. H.; Seol, J.; Lee, H. H.; Kim, J. H.

2017-07-01

The behaviors of an intrinsic toroidal rotation without any external momentum sources are investigated in KSTAR. In these experiments, pure ohmic discharges with a wide range of plasma parameters are carefully selected and analyzed to speculate an unrevealed origin of toroidal rotation excluding any unnecessary heating sources, magnetic perturbations, and strong magneto-hydrodynamic activities. The measured core toroidal rotation in KSTAR is mostly in the counter-current direction and its magnitude strongly depends on the ion temperature divided by plasma current (Ti/IP). Especially the core toroidal rotation in the steady-state is well fitted by Ti/IP scaling with a slope of ˜-23, and the possible explanation of the scaling is compared with various candidates. As a result, the calculated offset rotation could not explain the measured core toroidal rotation since KSTAR has an extremely low intrinsic error field. For the stability conditions for ion and electron turbulences, it is hard to determine a dominant turbulence mode in this study. In addition, the intrinsic toroidal rotation level in ITER is estimated based on the KSTAR scaling since the intrinsic rotation plays an important role in stabilizing resistive wall modes for future reference.

Instability of Non-uniform Toroidal Magnetic Fields in Accretion Disks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirabayashi, Kota; Hoshino, Masahiro

2016-05-01

We present a new type of instability that is expected to drive magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence from a purely toroidal magnetic field in an accretion disk. It is already known that in a differentially rotating system, the uniform toroidal magnetic field is unstable due to magnetorotational instability (MRI) under a non-axisymmetric and vertical perturbation, while it is stable under a purely vertical perturbation. Contrary to the previous study, this paper proposes an unstable mode completely confined to the equatorial plane, driven by the expansive nature of the magnetic pressure gradient force under a non-uniform toroidal field. The basic nature of this growing eigenmode, which we name “magneto-gradient driven instability,” is studied using linear analysis, and the corresponding nonlinear evolution is then investigated using two-dimensional ideal MHD simulations. Although a single localized magnetic field channel alone cannot provide sufficient Maxwell stress to contribute significantly to the angular momentum transport, we find that the mode coupling between neighboring toroidal fields under multiple localized magnetic field channels drastically generates a highly turbulent state and leads to the enhanced transport of angular momentum, which is comparable to the efficiency seen in previous studies on MRIs. This horizontally confined mode may play an important role in the saturation of an MRI through complementray growth with the toroidal MRIs and coupling with magnetic reconnection.

INSTABILITY OF NON-UNIFORM TOROIDAL MAGNETIC FIELDS IN ACCRETION DISKS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hirabayashi, Kota; Hoshino, Masahiro, E-mail: hirabayashi-k@eps.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp

We present a new type of instability that is expected to drive magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence from a purely toroidal magnetic field in an accretion disk. It is already known that in a differentially rotating system, the uniform toroidal magnetic field is unstable due to magnetorotational instability (MRI) under a non-axisymmetric and vertical perturbation, while it is stable under a purely vertical perturbation. Contrary to the previous study, this paper proposes an unstable mode completely confined to the equatorial plane, driven by the expansive nature of the magnetic pressure gradient force under a non-uniform toroidal field. The basic nature of thismore » growing eigenmode, which we name “magneto-gradient driven instability,” is studied using linear analysis, and the corresponding nonlinear evolution is then investigated using two-dimensional ideal MHD simulations. Although a single localized magnetic field channel alone cannot provide sufficient Maxwell stress to contribute significantly to the angular momentum transport, we find that the mode coupling between neighboring toroidal fields under multiple localized magnetic field channels drastically generates a highly turbulent state and leads to the enhanced transport of angular momentum, which is comparable to the efficiency seen in previous studies on MRIs. This horizontally confined mode may play an important role in the saturation of an MRI through complementray growth with the toroidal MRIs and coupling with magnetic reconnection.« less

Effects of Equilibrium Toroidal Flow on Locked Mode and Plasma Response in a Tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Ping; Huang, Wenlong; Yan, Xingting

2016-10-01

It is widely believed that plasma flow plays significant roles in regulating the processes of mode locking and plasma response in a tokamak in presence of external resonant magnetic perturbations (RMPs). Recently a common analytic relation for both locked mode and plasma response has been developed based on the steady-state solution to the coupled dynamic system of magnetic island evolution and torque balance. The analytic relation predicts the size of the magnetic island of a locked mode or a static nonlinear plasma response for a given RMP amplitude, and rigorously proves a screening effect of the equilibrium toroidal flow. To test the theory, we solve for the locked mode and the nonlinear plasma response in presence of RMP for a circular-shaped limiter tokamak equilibrium with constant toroidal flow, using the initial-value, full MHD simulation code NIMROD. The comparison between the simulation results and the theory prediction, in terms of the quantitative screening effects of equilibrium toroidal flow, will be reported and discussed. Supported by National Magnetic Confinement Fusion Science Program of China Grants 2014GB124002 and 2015GB101004, the 100 Talent Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and U.S. Department of Energy Grants DE-FG02-86ER53218 and DE-FC02-08ER54975.

Fully Parallel MHD Stability Analysis Tool

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Svidzinski, Vladimir; Galkin, Sergei; Kim, Jin-Soo; Liu, Yueqiang

2014-10-01

Progress on full parallelization of the plasma stability code MARS will be reported. MARS calculates eigenmodes in 2D axisymmetric toroidal equilibria in MHD-kinetic plasma models. It is a powerful tool for studying MHD and MHD-kinetic instabilities and it is widely used by fusion community. Parallel version of MARS is intended for simulations on local parallel clusters. It will be an efficient tool for simulation of MHD instabilities with low, intermediate and high toroidal mode numbers within both fluid and kinetic plasma models, already implemented in MARS. Parallelization of the code includes parallelization of the construction of the matrix for the eigenvalue problem and parallelization of the inverse iterations algorithm, implemented in MARS for the solution of the formulated eigenvalue problem. Construction of the matrix is parallelized by distributing the load among processors assigned to different magnetic surfaces. Parallelization of the solution of the eigenvalue problem is made by repeating steps of the present MARS algorithm using parallel libraries and procedures. Initial results of the code parallelization will be reported. Work is supported by the U.S. DOE SBIR program.

Nonlinear dynamics of toroidal Alfvén eigenmodes in presence of tearing modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Jia; Ma, Zhiwei; Wang, Sheng; Zhang, Wei

2016-10-01

A new hybrid kinetic-MHD code CLT-K is developed to study nonlinear dynamics of n =1 toroidal Alfvén eigenmodes (TAEs) with the m/n =2/1 tearing mode. It is found that the n =1 TAE is first excited by isotropic energetic particles in the earlier stage and reaches the steady state due to wave-particle interaction. After the saturation of the n =1 TAE, the tearing mode intervenes and triggers the second growth of the mode. The modes goes into the second steady state due to multiple tearing mode-mode nonlinear coupling. Both wave-particle and wave-wave interactions are observed in our hybrid simulation.

Optimization of Antenna Current Feeding for the Alfvén Eigenmodes Active Diagnostic System of JET

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Albarracin Manrique, Marcos A.; Ruchko, L.; Pires, C. J. A.; Galvão, R. M. O.; Elfimov, A. G.

2018-04-01

The possibility of exploring proper phasing of the feeding currents in the existing antenna of the Alfvén Eigenmodes Active Diagnostic system of JET, to excite pure toroidal spectra of Toroidal Alfvén Eigenmodes, is numerically investigated. Special attention is given to the actual perturbed fields excited in the plasma, which are calculated self-consistently using the antenna version of the CASTOR code. It is found that due to the close spacing of the JET antenna modules and quasi degeneracy of modes with medium to high values of the toroidal mode number n, although a proper choice of the phasing of the feeding currents of the antenna modules indeed leads to an increase of the perturbed fields of the selected mode, modes with nearby values of n are also excited with large amplitudes, so that a scheme to proper select the detected modes remains necessary. A scheme using different antenna position distribution is proposed to achieve successful optimization.

Turbulence induced radial transport of toroidal momentum in boundary plasma of EAST tokamak

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhao, N.; Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031; Yan, N., E-mail: yanning@ipp.ac.cn

Turbulence induced toroidal momentum transport in boundary plasma is investigated in H-mode discharge using Langmuir-Mach probes on EAST. The Reynolds stress is found to drive an inward toroidal momentum transport, while the outflow of particles convects the toroidal momentum outwards in the edge plasma. The Reynolds stress driven momentum transport dominates over the passive momentum transport carried by particle flux, which potentially provides a momentum source for the edge plasma. The outflow of particles delivers a momentum flux into the scrape-off layer (SOL) region, contributing as a momentum source for the SOL flows. At the L-H transitions, the outward momentummore » transport suddenly decreases due to the suppression of edge turbulence and associated particle transport. The SOL flows start to decelerate as plasma entering into H-mode. The contributions from turbulent Reynolds stress and particle transport for the toroidal momentum transport are identified. These results shed lights on the understanding of edge plasma accelerating at L-H transitions.« less

Nonlinear MHD simulation of magnetic relaxation during DC helicity injection in spherical torus plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanki, Takashi; Nagata, Masayoshi; Kagei, Yasuhiro

2009-11-01

Recently, the intermittent plasma flow has been observed to be correlated with the fluctuations of the toroidal current It and n=1 mode in the HIST spherical torus device. During the partially driven phase mixed with a resistive decay, the toroidal ion flow velocity (˜ 40 km/s) in the opposite direction of It is driven in the central open flux region, and the oscillations in n=1 mode occur there, while during the resistive decay phase, this flow velocity reverses and results in the same as that of It, and the oscillations in n=1 mode disappear there. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the plasma flow reversal process and the relevant MHD relaxation by using the 3-D nonlinear MHD simulations. The numerical results exhibit that during the driven phase, the toroidal flow velocity (˜ 37 km/s) is in the opposite direction to It, but in the same direction as the ExB rotation induced by an applied voltage. This flow is driven by the magnetic reconnection occurring at the X-point during the repetitive process of the non-axisymmetric magnetized plasmoid ejection from the helicity injector. The oscillations of poloidal flux ψp are out of phase with those of toroidal flux ψt and magnetic energy for the dominant n=1 mode, indicating the flux conversion from ψt to ψp. The effect of the vacuum toroidal field strength on the plasma dynamics is discussed.

Free boundary resistive modes in tokamaks

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Huysmans, G.T.A.; Goedbloed, J.P.; Kerner, W.

1993-05-01

There exist a number of observations of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) activity that can be related to resistive MHD modes localized near the plasma boundary. To study the stability of these modes, a free boundary description of the plasma is essential. The resistive plasma--vacuum boundary conditions have been implemented in the fully toroidal resistive spectral code CASTOR (Complex Alfven Spectrum in Toroidal Geometry) [[ital Proceedings] [ital of] [ital the] 18[ital th] [ital Conference] [ital on] [ital Controlled] [ital Fusion] [ital and] [ital Plasma] [ital Physics], Berlin, edited by P. Bachmann and D. C. Robinson (European Physical Society, Petit-Lancy, Switzerland, 1991), p. 89].more » The influence of a free boundary, as compared to a fixed boundary on the stability of low-[ital m] tearing modes, is studied. It is found that the stabilizing (toroidal) effect of a finite pressure due the plasma compression is lost in the free boundary case for modes localized near the boundary. Since the stabilization due to the favorable average curvature in combination with a pressure gradient near the boundary is small, the influence of the pressure on the stability is much less important for free boundary modes than for fixed boundary modes.« less

Phase locking of multi-helicity neoclassical tearing modes in tokamak plasmas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fitzpatrick, Richard

2015-04-15

The attractive “hybrid” tokamak scenario combines comparatively high q{sub 95} operation with improved confinement compared with the conventional H{sub 98,y2} scaling law. Somewhat unusually, hybrid discharges often exhibit multiple neoclassical tearing modes (NTMs) possessing different mode numbers. The various NTMs are eventually observed to phase lock to one another, giving rise to a significant flattening, or even an inversion, of the core toroidal plasma rotation profile. This behavior is highly undesirable because the loss of core plasma rotation is known to have a deleterious effect on plasma stability. This paper presents a simple, single-fluid, cylindrical model of the phase lockingmore » of two NTMs with different poloidal and toroidal mode numbers in a tokamak plasma. Such locking takes place via a combination of nonlinear three-wave coupling and conventional toroidal coupling. In accordance with experimental observations, the model predicts that there is a bifurcation to a phase-locked state when the frequency mismatch between the modes is reduced to one half of its original value. In further accordance, the phase-locked state is characterized by the permanent alignment of one of the X-points of NTM island chains on the outboard mid-plane of the plasma, and a modified toroidal angular velocity profile, interior to the outermost coupled rational surface, which is such that the core rotation is flattened, or even inverted.« less

Single-beam, dark toroidal optical traps for cold atoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fatemi, Fredrik K.; Olson, Spencer E.; Bashkansky, Mark; Dutton, Zachary; Terraciano, Matthew

2007-02-01

We demonstrate the generation of single-beam dark toroidal optical intensity distributions, which are of interest for neutral atom storage and atom interferometry. We demonstrate experimentally and numerically optical potentials that contain a ring-shaped intensity minimum, bounded in all directions by higher intensity. We use a spatial light modulator to alter the phase of an incident laser beam, and analyze the resulting optical propagation characteristics. For small toroidal traps (< 50 μm diameter), we find an optimal superposition of Laguerre-Gaussian modes that allows the formation of single-beam toroidal traps. We generate larger toroidal bottle traps by focusing hollow beams with toroidal lenses imprinted onto the spatial light modulator.

Gyro-Landau-Fluid Theory and Simulations of Edge-Localized-Modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, X. Q.

2012-10-01

We report on the theory and simulations of edge-localized-modes (ELMs) using a gyro-Landau-fluid (GLF) extension of the BOUT++ code. Consistent with the two-fluid model (including 1st order FLR corrections), large ELMs, which are low-to-intermediate toroidal mode number (n) peeling-ballooning (P-B) modes, are suppressed by finite Larmor radius (FLR) effects as the ion temperature increases, while small ELMs (at intermediate n's) remain unstable. This result is good news for high ion temperatures in ITER due to the large stabilizing effects of FLR. Because the FLR effects are proportional to both Ti and n, the maximum growth rate is inversely proportional to Ti and the P-B mode is stabilized at high n. Nonlinear gyro-fluid simulations show results similar to those from the two-fluid model, namely that the P-B modes trigger magnetic reconnection, which drives the collapse of the pedestal pressure. Hyper-resistivity limits the radial spreading of ELMs by facilitating magnetic reconnection. The gyro-fluid ion model further limits the radial spreading of ELMs due to FLR-corrected nonlinear ExB convection of the ion gyro-center density. A gyro-fluid ETG model is being developed to self-consistently calculate the hyper-resistivity. Zonal magnetic fields arise from an ELM event and finite beta drift-wave turbulence when electron inertia effects are included. These lead to current generation and self-consistent current transport as a result of ExB convection in the generalized Ohm's law. Because edge plasmas have significant spatial inhomogeneities and complicated boundary conditions, we have developed a fast non-Fourier method for the computation of Landau-fluid closure terms based on an accurate and tunable approximation. The accuracy and the fast computational scaling of the method are demonstrated.

Non-isomorphic radial wavenumber dependencies of residual zonal flows in ion and electron Larmor radius scales, and effects of initial parallel flow and electromagnetic potentials in a circular tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamagishi, Osamu

2018-04-01

Radial wavenumber dependencies of the residual zonal potential for E × B flow in a circular, large aspect ratio tokamak is investigated by means of the collisionless gyrokinetic simulations of Rosenbluth-Hinton (RH) test and the semi-analytic approach using an analytic solution of the gyrokinetic equation Rosenbluth and Hinton (1998 Phys. Rev. Lett. 80 724). By increasing the radial wavenumber from an ion Larmor radius scale {k}r{ρ }i≲ 1 to an electron Larmor radius scale {k}r{ρ }e≲ 1, the well-known level ˜ O[1/(1+1.6{q}2/\\sqrt{r/{R}0})] is retained, while the level remains O(1) when the wavenumber is decreased from the electron to the ion Larmor radius scale, if physically same adiabatic assumption is presumed for species other than the main species that is treated kinetically. The conclusion is not modified by treating both species kinetically, so that in the intermediate scale between the ion and electron Larmor radius scale it seems difficult to determine the level uniquely. The toroidal momentum conservation property in the RH test is also investigated by including an initial parallel flow in addition to the perpendicular flow. It is shown that by taking a balance between the initial parallel flow and perpendicular flows which include both E × B flow and diamagnetic flow in the initial condition, the mechanical toroidal angular momentum is approximately conserved despite the toroidal symmetry breaking due to the finite radial wavenumber zonal modes. Effect of electromagnetic potentials is also investigated. When the electromagnetic potentials are applied initially, fast oscillations which are faster than the geodesic acoustic modes are introduced in the decay phase of the zonal modes. Although the residual level in the long time limit is not modified, this can make the time required to reach the stationary zonal flows longer and may weaken the effectiveness of the turbulent transport suppression by the zonal flows.

Investigation of diocotron modes in toroidally trapped electron plasmas using non-destructive method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lachhvani, Lavkesh; Pahari, Sambaran; Sengupta, Sudip; Yeole, Yogesh G.; Bajpai, Manu; Chattopadhyay, P. K.

2017-10-01

Experiments with trapped electron plasmas in a SMall Aspect Ratio Toroidal device (SMARTEX-C) have demonstrated a flute-like mode represented by oscillations on capacitive (wall) probes. Although analogous to diocotron mode observed in linear electron traps, the mode evolution in toroids can have interesting consequences due to the presence of in-homogeneous magnetic field. In SMARTEX-C, the probe signals are observed to undergo transition from small, near-sinusoidal oscillations to large amplitude, non-linear "double-peaked" oscillations. To interpret the wall probe signal and bring forth the dynamics, an expression for the induced current on the probe for an oscillating charge is derived, utilizing Green's Reciprocation Theorem. Equilibrium position, poloidal velocity of the charge cloud, and charge content of the cloud, required to compute the induced current, are estimated from the experiments. Signal through capacitive probes is thereby computed numerically for possible charge cloud trajectories. In order to correlate with experiments, starting with an intuitive guess of the trajectory, the model is evolved and tweaked to arrive at a signal consistent with experimentally observed probe signals. A possible vortex like dynamics is predicted, hitherto unexplored in toroidal geometries, for a limited set of experimental observations from SMARTEX-C. Though heuristic, a useful interpretation of capacitive probe data in terms of charge cloud dynamics is obtained.

Interactions of toroidally coupled tearing modes in the KSTAR tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Gnan; Yun, Gunsu S.; Woo, Minho; Park, Hyeon K.; KSTAR Team2, the

2018-03-01

The evolutions of toroidally coupled radially-distant and radially-adjacent tearing modes are visualized in 2D in detail on the Korea superconducting tokamak for advanced research. The coupled tearing modes are in-phase on the out-board mid-plane and become destabilized or compete with each other depending on their spatial separation. When two coupled tearing modes are far apart, both are increasingly destabilized. On the other hand, when they become close to each other, one becomes stabilized while the other becomes destabilized. In such cases, an additional tearing mode is often formed on outer rational flux surface and the three tearing modes compete. The competitions suggest that spatial overlap (merging) of coupled magnetic islands is difficult.

Saturation of a toroidal Alfvén eigenmode due to enhanced damping of nonlinear sidebands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Todo, Y.; Berk, H. L.; Breizman, B. N.

2012-09-01

This paper examines nonlinear magneto-hydrodynamic effects on the energetic particle driven toroidal Alfvén eigenmode (TAE) for lower dissipation coefficients and with higher numerical resolution than in the previous simulations (Todo et al 2010 Nucl. Fusion 50 084016). The investigation is focused on a TAE mode with toroidal mode number n = 4. It is demonstrated that the mechanism of mode saturation involves generation of zonal (n = 0) and higher-n (n ⩾ 8) sidebands, and that the sidebands effectively increase the mode damping rate via continuum damping. The n = 0 sideband includes the zonal flow peaks at the TAE gap locations. It is also found that the n = 0 poloidal flow represents a balance between the nonlinear driving force from the n = 4 components and the equilibrium plasma response to the n = 0 fluctuations. The spatial profile of the n = 8 sideband peaks at the n = 8 Alfvén continuum, indicating enhanced dissipation due to continuum damping.

Alfvén eigenmode evolution computed with the VENUS and KINX codes for the ITER baseline scenario

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Isaev, M. Yu., E-mail: isaev-my@nrcki.ru; Medvedev, S. Yu.; Cooper, W. A.

A new application of the VENUS code is described, which computes alpha particle orbits in the perturbed electromagnetic fields and its resonant interaction with the toroidal Alfvén eigenmodes (TAEs) for the ITER device. The ITER baseline scenario with Q = 10 and the plasma toroidal current of 15 MA is considered as the most important and relevant for the International Tokamak Physics Activity group on energetic particles (ITPA-EP). For this scenario, typical unstable TAE-modes with the toroidal index n = 20 have been predicted that are localized in the plasma core near the surface with safety factor q = 1.more » The spatial structure of ballooning and antiballooning modes has been computed with the ideal MHD code KINX. The linear growth rates and the saturation levels taking into account the damping effects and the different mode frequencies have been calculated with the VENUS code for both ballooning and antiballooning TAE-modes.« less

Rapid Detection of Infectious Envelope Proteins by Magnetoplasmonic Toroidal Metasensors.

PubMed

Ahmadivand, Arash; Gerislioglu, Burak; Manickam, Pandiaraj; Kaushik, Ajeet; Bhansali, Shekhar; Nair, Madhavan; Pala, Nezih

2017-09-22

Unconventional characteristics of magnetic toroidal multipoles have triggered researchers to study these unique resonant phenomena by using both 3D and planar resonators under intense radiation. Here, going beyond conventional planar unit cells, we report on the observation of magnetic toroidal modes using artificially engineered multimetallic planar plasmonic resonators. The proposed microstructures consist of iron (Fe) and titanium (Ti) components acting as magnetic resonators and torus, respectively. Our numerical studies and following experimental verifications show that the proposed structures allow for excitation of toroidal dipoles in the terahertz (THz) domain with the experimental Q-factor of ∼18. Taking the advantage of high-Q toroidal line shape and its dependence on the environmental perturbations, we demonstrate that room-temperature toroidal metasurface is a reliable platform for immunosensing applications. As a proof of concept, we utilized our plasmonic metasurface to detect Zika-virus (ZIKV) envelope protein (with diameter of 40 nm) using a specific ZIKV antibody. The sharp toroidal resonant modes of the surface functionalized structures shift as a function of the ZIKV envelope protein for small concentrations (∼pM). The results of sensing experiments reveal rapid, accurate, and quantitative detection of envelope proteins with the limit of detection of ∼24.2 pg/mL and sensitivity of 6.47 GHz/log(pg/mL). We envision that the proposed toroidal metasurface opens new avenues for developing low-cost, and efficient THz plasmonic sensors for infection and targeted bioagent detection.

High-frequency plasma-heating apparatus

DOEpatents

Brambilla, Marco; Lallia, Pascal

1978-01-01

An array of adjacent wave guides feed high-frequency energy into a vacuum chamber in which a toroidal plasma is confined by a magnetic field, the wave guide array being located between two toroidal current windings. Waves are excited in the wave guide at a frequency substantially equal to the lower frequency hybrid wave of the plasma and a substantially equal phase shift is provided from one guide to the next between the waves therein. For plasmas of low peripheral density gradient, the guides are excited in the TE.sub.01 mode and the output electric field is parallel to the direction of the toroidal magnetic field. For exciting waves in plasmas of high peripheral density gradient, the guides are excited in the TM.sub.01 mode and the magnetic field at the wave guide outlets is parallel to the direction of the toroidal magnetic field. The wave excited at the outlet of the wave guide array is a progressive wave propagating in the direction opposite to that of the toroidal current and is, therefore, not absorbed by so-called "runaway" electrons.

Dynamic divertor control using resonant mixed toroidal harmonic magnetic fields during ELM suppression in DIII-D

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, M.; Sun, Y.; Paz-Soldan, C.; Nazikian, R.; Gu, S.; Liu, Y. Q.; Abrams, T.; Bykov, I.; Cui, L.; Evans, T.; Garofalo, A.; Guo, W.; Gong, X.; Lasnier, C.; Logan, N. C.; Makowski, M.; Orlov, D.; Wang, H. H.

2018-05-01

Experiments using Resonant Magnetic Perturbations (RMPs), with a rotating n = 2 toroidal harmonic combined with a stationary n = 3 toroidal harmonic, have validated predictions that divertor heat and particle flux can be dynamically controlled while maintaining Edge Localized Mode (ELM) suppression in the DIII-D tokamak. Here, n is the toroidal mode number. ELM suppression over one full cycle of a rotating n = 2 RMP that was mixed with a static n = 3 RMP field has been achieved. Prominent heat flux splitting on the outer divertor has been observed during ELM suppression by RMPs in low collisionality regime in DIII-D. Strong changes in the three dimensional heat and particle flux footprint in the divertor were observed during the application of the mixed toroidal harmonic magnetic perturbations. These results agree well with modeling of the edge magnetic field structure using the TOP2D code, which takes into account the plasma response from the MARS-F code. These results expand the potential effectiveness of the RMP ELM suppression technique for the simultaneous control of divertor heat and particle load required in ITER.

Kinetic shear Alfvén instability in the presence of impurity ions in tokamak plasmas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lu, Gaimin; Shen, Y.; Xie, T.

2013-10-15

The effects of impurity ions on the kinetic shear Alfvén (KSA) instability in tokamak plasmas are investigated by numerically solving the integral equations for the KSA eigenmode in the toroidal geometry. The kinetic effects of hydrogen and impurity ions, including transit motion, finite ion Larmor radius, and finite-orbit-width, are taken into account. Toroidicity induced linear mode coupling is included through the ballooning-mode representation. Here, the effects of carbon, oxygen, and tungsten ions on the KSA instability in toroidal plasmas are investigated. It is found that, depending on the concentration and density profile of the impurity ions, the latter can bemore » either stabilizing or destabilizing for the KSA modes. The results here confirm the importance of impurity ions in tokamak experiments and should be useful for analyzing experimental data as well as for understanding anomalous transport and control of tokamak plasmas.« less

Rotation profile flattening and toroidal flow shear reversal due to the coupling of magnetic islands in tokamaks

DOE PAGES

Tobias, B.; Chen, M.; Classen, I. G. J.; ...

2016-04-15

The electromagnetic coupling of helical modes, including those having different toroidal mode numbers, modifies the distribution of toroidal angular momentum in tokamak discharges. This can have deleterious effects on other transport channels as well as on magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) stability and disruptivity. At low levels of externally injected momentum, the coupling of core-localized modes initiates a chain of events, whereby flattening of the core rotation profile inside successive rational surfaces leads to the onset of a large m/n = 2/1 tearing mode and locked-mode disruption. Furthermore, with increased torque from neutral beam injection, neoclassical tearing modes in the core may phase-lockmore » to each other without locking to external fields or structures that are stationary in the laboratory frame. The dynamic processes observed in these cases are in general agreement with theory, and detailed diagnosis allows for momentum transport analysis to be performed, revealing a significant torque density that peaks near the 2/1 rational surface. However, as the coupled rational surfaces are brought closer together by reducing q95, additional momentum transport in excess of that required to attain a phase-locked state is sometimes observed. Rather than maintaining zero differential rotation (as is predicted to be dynamically stable by single-fluid, resistive MHD theory), these discharges develop hollow toroidal plasma fluid rotation profiles with reversed plasma flow shear in the region between the m/n = 3/2 and 2/1 islands. Additional forces expressed in this state are not readily accounted for, and therefore, analysis of these data highlights the impact of mode coupling on torque balance and the challenges associated with predicting the rotation dynamics of a fusion reactor-a key issue for ITER. Published by AIP Publishing.« less

Rotation profile flattening and toroidal flow shear reversal due to the coupling of magnetic islands in tokamaks

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tobias, B.; Grierson, B. A.; Okabayashi, M.

2016-05-15

The electromagnetic coupling of helical modes, even those having different toroidal mode numbers, modifies the distribution of toroidal angular momentum in tokamak discharges. This can have deleterious effects on other transport channels as well as on magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) stability and disruptivity. At low levels of externally injected momentum, the coupling of core-localized modes initiates a chain of events, whereby flattening of the core rotation profile inside successive rational surfaces leads to the onset of a large m/n = 2/1 tearing mode and locked-mode disruption. With increased torque from neutral beam injection, neoclassical tearing modes in the core may phase-lock to each othermore » without locking to external fields or structures that are stationary in the laboratory frame. The dynamic processes observed in these cases are in general agreement with theory, and detailed diagnosis allows for momentum transport analysis to be performed, revealing a significant torque density that peaks near the 2/1 rational surface. However, as the coupled rational surfaces are brought closer together by reducing q{sub 95}, additional momentum transport in excess of that required to attain a phase-locked state is sometimes observed. Rather than maintaining zero differential rotation (as is predicted to be dynamically stable by single-fluid, resistive MHD theory), these discharges develop hollow toroidal plasma fluid rotation profiles with reversed plasma flow shear in the region between the m/n = 3/2 and 2/1 islands. The additional forces expressed in this state are not readily accounted for, and therefore, analysis of these data highlights the impact of mode coupling on torque balance and the challenges associated with predicting the rotation dynamics of a fusion reactor—a key issue for ITER.« less

Observation of Alpha-Driven TAEs in TFTR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nazikian, R.; Chang, Z.; Fu, G. Y.; Majeski, R.; Batha, S.; Bell, M.; Budny, R.; Cheng, C. Z.; Darrow, D. S.; Duong, H.; Efthimion, P. C.; Fredrickson, E.; Levinton, F.; Mazzucato, E.; Medley, S.; Taylor, S.; Zweben, G.

1996-11-01

Transient mode activity in the TAE range of frequencies (150-170 kHz) with toroidal mode numbers n=2,3 is observed in reduced magnetic shear DT discharges on TFTR with a fusion power threshold of ~1.5 MW. Mode activity appears 50-100 msec after NBI in discharges with the following machine parameter: B=5.3 T, I=1.6MA, R=260cm, P_NBI=25-28 MW, q(0)>2.0 from MSE and toroidal beta β_T<1%. The elevated q(0) and reduced central shear |s|<0.2 is achieved using a full size plasma startup with delayed NBI. Theoretical calculations using NOVA-K indicate that the combined effect of low shear, low beta and elevated q(0) leads to a very low instability threshold for the alpha-driven TAE with β_α (0) ~ 10-4. This appears to be consistent with experimental observations of mode activity in DT plasmas with β_α ~ 10-4 (determined from TRANSP analysis). Thus far the modes have only been observed on Mirnov coils with fluctuation levels tildeB ~ 1mG. Efforts to determine mode location by perturbing the edge density and inducing strong toroidal velocity shear will be reported, as will efforts to affect mode stability by systematically varying the central safety factor.

Toroidal modelling of resistive internal kink and fishbone instabilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Tingting; He, Hongda; Liu, Yueqiang; Liu, Yue; Hao, G. Z.; Zhu, Jinxia

2018-05-01

The influence of energetic particles and plasma resistivity on the n =1 ( n is the toroidal mode number) internal kink and fishbone modes in tokamak plasmas is numerically investigated, using the full toroidal, resistive magnetohydrodynamic-kinetic hybrid stability code MARS-K [Liu et al., Phys. Plasmas 15 112503 (2008)]. The results show that energetic particles can either stabilize or destabilize the ideal internal kink mode, depending on the radial profiles of the particles' density and pressure. Resistive fishbones with and without an ideal wall are investigated. It is found that, in the presence of energetic particles as well as plasma resistivity, two branches of unstable roots exist, for a plasma which is ideally stable to the internal kink instability. One is the resistive internal kink mode. The other is the resistive fishbone mode. These two-branch solutions show similar behaviors, independent of whether the initial ideal kink stability is due to an ideal wall stabilization for high-beta plasmas, or due to a stable equilibrium below the Bussac pressure limit. For a realistic toroidal plasma, the resistive internal kink is the dominant instability, which grows much faster than the resistive fishbone. The plasma resistivity destabilizes the resistive internal kink while stabilizes the resistive fishbone. Systematic comparison with an analytic model qualitatively confirms the MARS-K results. Compared to analytic models based on the perturbative approach, MARS-K offers an improved physics model via self-consistent treatment of coupling between the fluid and kinetic effects due to energetic particles.

Capabilities of Fully Parallelized MHD Stability Code MARS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Svidzinski, Vladimir; Galkin, Sergei; Kim, Jin-Soo; Liu, Yueqiang

2016-10-01

Results of full parallelization of the plasma stability code MARS will be reported. MARS calculates eigenmodes in 2D axisymmetric toroidal equilibria in MHD-kinetic plasma models. Parallel version of MARS, named PMARS, has been recently developed at FAR-TECH. Parallelized MARS is an efficient tool for simulation of MHD instabilities with low, intermediate and high toroidal mode numbers within both fluid and kinetic plasma models, implemented in MARS. Parallelization of the code included parallelization of the construction of the matrix for the eigenvalue problem and parallelization of the inverse vector iterations algorithm, implemented in MARS for the solution of the formulated eigenvalue problem. Construction of the matrix is parallelized by distributing the load among processors assigned to different magnetic surfaces. Parallelization of the solution of the eigenvalue problem is made by repeating steps of the MARS algorithm using parallel libraries and procedures. Parallelized MARS is capable of calculating eigenmodes with significantly increased spatial resolution: up to 5,000 adapted radial grid points with up to 500 poloidal harmonics. Such resolution is sufficient for simulation of kink, tearing and peeling-ballooning instabilities with physically relevant parameters. Work is supported by the U.S. DOE SBIR program.

Fully Parallel MHD Stability Analysis Tool

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Svidzinski, Vladimir; Galkin, Sergei; Kim, Jin-Soo; Liu, Yueqiang

2015-11-01

Progress on full parallelization of the plasma stability code MARS will be reported. MARS calculates eigenmodes in 2D axisymmetric toroidal equilibria in MHD-kinetic plasma models. It is a powerful tool for studying MHD and MHD-kinetic instabilities and it is widely used by fusion community. Parallel version of MARS is intended for simulations on local parallel clusters. It will be an efficient tool for simulation of MHD instabilities with low, intermediate and high toroidal mode numbers within both fluid and kinetic plasma models, already implemented in MARS. Parallelization of the code includes parallelization of the construction of the matrix for the eigenvalue problem and parallelization of the inverse iterations algorithm, implemented in MARS for the solution of the formulated eigenvalue problem. Construction of the matrix is parallelized by distributing the load among processors assigned to different magnetic surfaces. Parallelization of the solution of the eigenvalue problem is made by repeating steps of the present MARS algorithm using parallel libraries and procedures. Results of MARS parallelization and of the development of a new fix boundary equilibrium code adapted for MARS input will be reported. Work is supported by the U.S. DOE SBIR program.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Medvedev, S. Yu., E-mail: medvedev@a5.kiam.ru; Ivanov, A. A., E-mail: aai@a5.kiam.ru; Martynov, A. A., E-mail: martynov@a5.kiam.ru

The influence of current density and pressure gradient profiles in the pedestal on the access to the regimes free from edge localized modes (ELMs) like quiescent H-mode in ITER is investigated. Using the simulator of MHD modes localized near plasma boundary based on the KINX code, calculations of the ELM stability were performed for the ITER plasma in scenarios 2 and 4 under variations of density and temperature profiles with the self-consistent bootstrap current in the pedestal. Low pressure gradient values at the separatrix, the same position of the density and temperature pedestals and high poloidal beta values facilitate reachingmore » high current density in the pedestal and a potential transition into the regime with saturated large scale kink modes. New version of the localized MHD mode simulator allows one to compute the growth rates of ideal peeling-ballooning modes with different toroidal mode numbers and to determine the stability region taking into account diamagnetic stabilization. The edge stability diagrams computations and sensitivity studies of the stability limits to the value of diamagnetic frequency show that diamagnetic stabilization of the modes with high toroidal mode numbers can help to access the quiescent H-mode even with high plasma density but only with low pressure gradient values at the separatrix. The limiting pressure at the top of the pedestal increases for higher plasma density. With flat density profile the access to the quiescent H-mode is closed even with diamagnetic stabilization taken into account, while toroidal mode numbers of the most unstable peeling-ballooning mode decrease from n = 10−40 to n = 3−20.« less

Dielectric metamaterials with toroidal dipolar response

DOE PAGES

Basharin, Alexey A.; Kafesaki, Maria; Economou, Eleftherios N.; ...

2015-03-27

Toroidal multipoles are the terms missing in the standard multipole expansion; they are usually overlooked due to their relatively weak coupling to the electromagnetic fields. Here, we propose and theoretically study all-dielectric metamaterials of a special class that represent a simple electromagnetic system supporting toroidal dipolar excitations in the THz part of the spectrum. In addition, we show that resonant transmission and reflection of such metamaterials is dominated by toroidal dipole scattering, the neglect of which would result in a misunderstanding interpretation of the metamaterials’ macroscopic response. Due to the unique field configuration of the toroidal mode, the proposed metamaterialsmore » could serve as a platform for sensing or enhancement of light absorption and optical nonlinearities.« less

Active control of multiple resistive wall modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brunsell, P. R.; Yadikin, D.; Gregoratto, D.; Paccagnella, R.; Liu, Y. Q.; Bolzonella, T.; Cecconello, M.; Drake, J. R.; Kuldkepp, M.; Manduchi, G.; Marchiori, G.; Marrelli, L.; Martin, P.; Menmuir, S.; Ortolani, S.; Rachlew, E.; Spizzo, G.; Zanca, P.

2005-12-01

A two-dimensional array of saddle coils at Mc poloidal and Nc toroidal positions is used on the EXTRAP T2R reversed-field pinch (Brunsell P R et al 2001 Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 43 1457) to study active control of resistive wall modes (RWMs). Spontaneous growth of several RWMs with poloidal mode number m = 1 and different toroidal mode number n is observed experimentally, in agreement with linear MHD modelling. The measured plasma response to a controlled coil field and the plasma response computed using the linear circular cylinder MHD model are in quantitive agreement. Feedback control introduces a linear coupling of modes with toroidal mode numbers n, n' that fulfil the condition |n - n'| = Nc. Pairs of coupled unstable RWMs are present in feedback experiments with an array of Mc × Nc = 4 × 16 coils. Using intelligent shell feedback, the coupled modes are generally not controlled even though the field is suppressed at the active coils. A better suppression of coupled modes may be achieved in the case of rotating modes by using the mode control feedback scheme with individually set complex gains. In feedback with a larger array of Mc × Nc = 4 × 32 coils, the coupling effect largely disappears, and with this array, the main internal RWMs n = -11, -10, +5, +6 are all simultaneously suppressed throughout the discharge (7 8 wall times). With feedback there is a two-fold extension of the pulse length, compared to discharges without feedback.

Error field assessment from driven rotation of stable external kinks at EXTRAP-T2R reversed field pinch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Volpe, F. A.; Frassinetti, L.; Brunsell, P. R.; Drake, J. R.; Olofsson, K. E. J.

2013-04-01

A new non-disruptive error field (EF) assessment technique not restricted to low density and thus low beta was demonstrated at the EXTRAP-T2R reversed field pinch. Stable and marginally stable external kink modes of toroidal mode number n = 10 and n = 8, respectively, were generated, and their rotation sustained, by means of rotating magnetic perturbations of the same n. Due to finite EFs, and in spite of the applied perturbations rotating uniformly and having constant amplitude, the kink modes were observed to rotate non-uniformly and be modulated in amplitude. This behaviour was used to precisely infer the amplitude and approximately estimate the toroidal phase of the EF. A subsequent scan permitted to optimize the toroidal phase. The technique was tested against deliberately applied as well as intrinsic EFs of n = 8 and 10. Corrections equal and opposite to the estimated error fields were applied. The efficacy of the error compensation was indicated by the increased discharge duration and more uniform mode rotation in response to a uniformly rotating perturbation. The results are in good agreement with theory, and the extension to lower n, to tearing modes and to tokamaks, including ITER, is discussed.

Toroidal turbulence simulations with gyro-Landau fluid models in a nonlinear ballooning mode representation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waltz, R. E.; Kerbel, G. D.

1994-05-01

The method of Hammett and Perkins [Phys. Rev. Lett. 64, 3019 (1990)] to model Landau damping has been recently applied to the moments of the gyro-kinetic equation with curvature drift by Waltz, Dominguez, and Hammett [Phys. Fluids B 4, 3138 (1992)]. The higher moments are truncated in terms of the lower moments (density, parallel velocity, and parallel and perpendicular pressure) by modeling the deviation from a perturbed Maxwellian to fit the kinetic response function at all values of the kinetic parameters: k∥vth/ω, b=(k⊥ρ)2/2, and ωD/ω. Here the resulting gyro-Landau fluid equations are applied to the simulation of ion temperature gradient (ITG) mode turbulence in toroidal geometry using a novel 3D nonlinear ballooning mode representation. The representation is a Fourier transform of the Cowley et al. [Phys. Fluids B 3, 2767 (1991)] field line following twisted eddy basis (kx',ky',z') with periodicity in toroidal and poloidal angles. Particular emphasis is given to the role of nonlinearly generated n=0 (ky'=0, kx'≠0) ``radial modes'' in stabilizing the transport from the finite-n ITG ballooning modes.

Linear instabilities near the DIII-D edge simulated in fluid models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bass, Eric; Holland, Christopher

2017-10-01

The linear instability spectrum is reported near the DIII-D edge (within the separatrix) for L-mode and H-mode shots using the new eigenvalue solver FluTES (Fluid Toroidal Eigenvalue Solver). FluTES circumvents difficulties with convergence to clean linear eigenmodes (required for diagnosis of nonlinear simulations in codes such as BOUT++) often encountered with fluid initial-value solvers. FluTES is well-verified in analytic cases and against a BOUT++/ELITE benchmark toroidal case. We report results for both a 3-field, one-fluid model (the well-known ``elm-pb'' model) and a 5-field, two-fluid model. For the peeling-ballooning-dominated H-mode, the two solutions are qualitatively the same. In the driftwave-dominated L-mode edge, only the two-fluid solution gives robust instabilities which occur primarily at n > 50 . FluTES is optimized for this regime (near-flutelike limit, toroidally spectral). Cross-separatrix, coupled fluid and drift instabilities may play a role in explaining the gyrokinetic L-mode edge transport shortfall. Extension of FluTES into the open-field-line region is underway. Prepared by UCSD under Contract Number DE-FG02-06ER54871.

Locked-mode avoidance and recovery without external momentum input

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delgado-Aparicio, L.; Gates, D. A.; Wolfe, S.; Rice, J. E.; Gao, C.; Wukitch, S.; Greenwald, M.; Hughes, J.; Marmar, E.; Scott, S.

2014-10-01

Error-field-induced locked-modes (LMs) have been studied in C-Mod at ITER toroidal fields without NBI fueling and momentum input. The use of ICRH heating in synch with the error-field ramp-up resulted in a successful delay of the mode-onset when PICRH > 1 MW and a transition into H-mode when PICRH > 2 MW. The recovery experiments consisted in applying ICRH power during the LM non-rotating phase successfully unlocking the core plasma. The ``induced'' toroidal rotation was in the counter-current direction, restoring the direction and magnitude of the toroidal flow before the LM formation, but contrary to the expected Rice-scaling in the co-current direction. However, the LM occurs near the LOC/SOC transition where rotation reversals are commonly observed. Once PICRH is turned off, the core plasma ``locks'' at later times depending on the evolution of ne and Vt. This work was performed under US DoE contracts including DE-FC02-99ER54512 and others at MIT and DE-AC02-09CH11466 at PPPL.

Integrals of motion from quantum toroidal algebras

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feigin, B.; Jimbo, M.; Mukhin, E.

2017-11-01

We identify the Taylor coefficients of the transfer matrices corresponding to quantum toroidal algebras with the elliptic local and non-local integrals of motion introduced by Kojima, Shiraishi, Watanabe, and one of the authors. That allows us to prove the Litvinov conjectures on the Intermediate Long Wave model. We also discuss the ({gl_m, {gl_n) duality of XXZ models in quantum toroidal setting and the implications for the quantum KdV model. In particular, we conjecture that the spectrum of non-local integrals of motion of Bazhanov, Lukyanov, and Zamolodchikov is described by Gaudin Bethe ansatz equations associated to affine {sl}2 . Dedicated to the memory of Petr Petrovich Kulish.

Alpha-driven magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) and MHD-induced alpha loss in the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chang, Z.; Nazikian, R.; Fu, G.Y.

1997-02-01

Alpha-driven toroidal Alfven eigenmodes (TAEs) are observed as predicted by theory in the post neutral beam phase in high central q (safety factor) deuterium-tritium (D-T) plasmas in the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR). The mode location, poloidal structure and the importance of q profile for TAE instability are discussed. So far no alpha particle loss due to these modes was detected due to the small mode amplitude. However, alpha loss induced by kinetic ballooning modes (KBMs) was observed in high confinement D-T discharges. Particle orbit simulation demonstrates that the wave-particle resonant interaction can explain the observed correlation between the increasemore » in alpha loss and appearance of multiple high-n (n {ge} 6, n is the toroidal mode number) modes.« less

System and method of operating toroidal magnetic confinement devices

DOEpatents

Chance, Morrell S.; Jardin, Stephen C.; Stix, Thomas H.; Grimm, deceased, Ray C.; Manickam, Janardhan; Okabayashi, Michio

1987-01-01

For toroidal magnetic confinement devices the second region of stability against ballooning modes can be accessed with controlled operation. Under certain modes of operation, the first and second stability regions may be joined together. Accessing the second region of stability is accomplished by forming a bean-shaped plasma and increasing the indentation until a critical value of indentation is reached. A pusher coil, located at the inner-major-radius side of the device, is engaged to form a bean-shaped poloidal cross-section in the plasma.

Plasma Properties of Microwave Produced Plasma in a Toroidal Device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Ajay; Edwards, W. F.; Held, Eric

2011-10-01

We have modified a small tokamak, STOR-1M, on loan from University of Saskatchewan, to operate as a low-temperature (~5 eV) toroidal plasma machine with externally induced toroidal magnetic fields ranging from zero to ~50 G. The plasma is produced using microwave discharges at relatively high pressures. Microwaves are produced by a kitchen microwave-oven magnetron operating at 2.45 GHz in continuous operating mode, resulting in pulses ~0.5 s in duration. Initial measurements of plasma formation in this device with and without applied magnetic fields are presented. Plasma density and temperature profiles have been measured using Langmuir probes and the magnetic field profile inside the plasma has been obtained using Hall probes. When the discharge is created with no applied toroidal magnetic field, the plasma does not fill the entire torus due to high background pressure. However, when a toroidal magnetic field is applied, the plasma flows along the applied field, filling the torus. Increasing the applied magnetic field seems to aid plasma formation - the peak density increases and the density gradient becomes steeper. Above a threshold magnetic field, the plasma develops low-frequency density oscillations due to probable excitation of flute modes in the plasma.

Destructive interference between electric and toroidal dipole moments in TiO2 cylinders and frustums with coaxial voids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Terekhov, P. D.; Baryshnikova, K. V.; Evlyukhin, A. B.; Shalin, A. S.

2017-11-01

We demonstrate numerically the possibility of multipole interference in the TiO2 (titanium dioxide) microcylinders and microfrustums in the wavelength range 210-300 μm. Resonantly strong destructive interference between toroidal and electric dipole contributions to the scattered field is achieved by a geometry tuning. The toroidal and electric dipole mode overlapping at the resonant wavelength with almost total suppression of the total electric dipole moment is achieved.

Reduced critical rotation for resistive-wall mode stabilization in a near-axisymmetric configuration.

PubMed

Reimerdes, H; Garofalo, A M; Jackson, G L; Okabayashi, M; Strait, E J; Chu, M S; In, Y; La Haye, R J; Lanctot, M J; Liu, Y Q; Navratil, G A; Solomon, W M; Takahashi, H; Groebner, R J

2007-02-02

Recent DIII-D experiments with reduced neutral beam torque and minimum nonaxisymmetric perturbations of the magnetic field show a significant reduction of the toroidal plasma rotation required for the stabilization of the resistive-wall mode (RWM) below the threshold values observed in experiments that apply nonaxisymmetric magnetic fields to slow the plasma rotation. A toroidal rotation frequency of less than 10 krad/s at the q=2 surface (measured with charge exchange recombination spectroscopy using C VI) corresponding to 0.3% of the inverse of the toroidal Alfvén time is sufficient to sustain the plasma pressure above the ideal MHD no-wall stability limit. The low-rotation threshold is found to be consistent with predictions by a kinetic model of RWM damping.

Inflatable nested toroid structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, Christopher J. (Inventor); Raboin, Jasen L. (Inventor); Spexarth, Gary R. (Inventor)

2011-01-01

An inflatable structure comprises at least two generally toroidal, inflatable modules. When in a deployed mode, the first, inner module has a major diameter less than that of a second, outer module and is positioned within the inner circumference of the outer module such that the first module is nested circumferentially alongside the second module. The inflatable structure, in a non-deployed, non-inflated mode, is of compact configuration and adapted to be transported to a site of deployment. When deployed, the inflatable structure is of substantially increased interior volume. In one embodiment, access between the interior of the first module and the second module is provided by at least one port or structural pass-through. In another embodiment, the inflatable structure includes at least one additional generally toroidal module external of and circumferentially surrounding the second module.

Impurity mixing and radiation asymmetry in massive gas injection simulations of DIII-D

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Izzo, V. A.

Simulations of neon massive gas injection into DIII-D are performed with the 3D MHD code NIMROD. The poloidal and toroidal distribution of the impurity source is varied. This report will focus on the effects of the source variation on impurity mixing and radiated power asymmetry. Even toroidally symmetric impurity injection is found to produce asymmetric radiated power due to asymmetric convective heat flux produced by the 1/1 mode. When the gas source is toroidally localized, the phase relationship between the mode and the source location is important, affecting both radiation peaking and impurity mixing. Under certain circumstances, a single, localizedmore » gas jet could produce better radiation symmetry during the disruption thermal quench than evenly distributed impurities.« less

Rotation and kinetic modifications of the tokamak ideal-wall pressure limit.

PubMed

Menard, J E; Wang, Z; Liu, Y; Bell, R E; Kaye, S M; Park, J-K; Tritz, K

2014-12-19

The impact of toroidal rotation, energetic ions, and drift-kinetic effects on the tokamak ideal wall mode stability limit is considered theoretically and compared to experiment for the first time. It is shown that high toroidal rotation can be an important destabilizing mechanism primarily through the angular velocity shear; non-Maxwellian fast ions can also be destabilizing, and drift-kinetic damping can potentially offset these destabilization mechanisms. These results are obtained using the unique parameter regime accessible in the spherical torus NSTX of high toroidal rotation speed relative to the thermal and Alfvén speeds and high kinetic pressure relative to the magnetic pressure. Inclusion of rotation and kinetic effects significantly improves agreement between measured and predicted ideal stability characteristics and may provide new insight into tearing mode triggering.

Impact of toroidal and poloidal mode spectra on the control of non-axisymmetric fields in tokamaks

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lanctot, Matthew J.; Park, J. -K.; Piovesan, Paolo

In several tokamaks, non-axisymmetric magnetic field studies show that applied magnetic fields with a toroidal harmonic n = 2 can lead to disruptive n = 1 locked modes. In Ohmic plasmas, n = 2 magnetic reconnection thresholds in otherwise stable discharges are readily accessed at edge safety factors q ~ 3, low density, and low rotation. Similar to previous studies with n = 1 fields, the thresholds are correlated with the “overlap” field computed with the IPEC code. The overlap field quantifies the plasma-mediated coupling of the external field to the resonant field. Remarkably, the “critical overlap fields” at whichmore » magnetic islands form are similar for applied n =1 and 2 fields. The critical overlap field increases with plasma density and edge safety factor but is independent of the toroidal field. Poloidal harmonics m > nq dominate the drive for resonant fields while m < nq harmonics have a negligible impact. This contrasts with previous results in H-mode discharges at high plasma pressure in which the toroidal angular momentum is sensitive to low poloidal harmonics. Altogether, these results highlight unique requirements for n > 1 field control including the need for multiple rows of coils to control selected plasma parameters for specific functions (e.g., rotation control or ELM suppression).« less

Local measurement of error field using naturally rotating tearing mode dynamics in EXTRAP T2R

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sweeney, R. M.; Frassinetti, L.; Brunsell, P.; Fridström, R.; Volpe, F. A.

2016-12-01

An error field (EF) detection technique using the amplitude modulation of a naturally rotating tearing mode (TM) is developed and validated in the EXTRAP T2R reversed field pinch. The technique was used to identify intrinsic EFs of m/n  =  1/-12, where m and n are the poloidal and toroidal mode numbers. The effect of the EF and of a resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP) on the TM, in particular on amplitude modulation, is modeled with a first-order solution of the modified Rutherford equation. In the experiment, the TM amplitude is measured as a function of the toroidal angle as the TM rotates rapidly in the presence of an unknown EF and a known, deliberately applied RMP. The RMP amplitude is fixed while the toroidal phase is varied from one discharge to the other, completing a full toroidal scan. Using three such scans with different RMP amplitudes, the EF amplitude and phase are inferred from the phases at which the TM amplitude maximizes. The estimated EF amplitude is consistent with other estimates (e.g. based on the best EF-cancelling RMP, resulting in the fastest TM rotation). A passive variant of this technique is also presented, where no RMPs are applied, and the EF phase is deduced.

Impact of toroidal and poloidal mode spectra on the control of non-axisymmetric fields in tokamaks

DOE PAGES

Lanctot, Matthew J.; Park, J. -K.; Piovesan, Paolo; ...

2017-05-18

In several tokamaks, non-axisymmetric magnetic field studies show that applied magnetic fields with a toroidal harmonic n = 2 can lead to disruptive n = 1 locked modes. In Ohmic plasmas, n = 2 magnetic reconnection thresholds in otherwise stable discharges are readily accessed at edge safety factors q ~ 3, low density, and low rotation. Similar to previous studies with n = 1 fields, the thresholds are correlated with the “overlap” field computed with the IPEC code. The overlap field quantifies the plasma-mediated coupling of the external field to the resonant field. Remarkably, the “critical overlap fields” at whichmore » magnetic islands form are similar for applied n =1 and 2 fields. The critical overlap field increases with plasma density and edge safety factor but is independent of the toroidal field. Poloidal harmonics m > nq dominate the drive for resonant fields while m < nq harmonics have a negligible impact. This contrasts with previous results in H-mode discharges at high plasma pressure in which the toroidal angular momentum is sensitive to low poloidal harmonics. Altogether, these results highlight unique requirements for n > 1 field control including the need for multiple rows of coils to control selected plasma parameters for specific functions (e.g., rotation control or ELM suppression).« less

Stability properties and fast ion confinement of hybrid tokamak plasma configurations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Graves, J. P.; Brunetti, D.; Pfefferle, D.; Faustin, J. M. P.; Cooper, W. A.; Kleiner, A.; Lanthaler, S.; Patten, H. W.; Raghunathan, M.

2015-11-01

In hybrid scenarios with flat q just above unity, extremely fast growing tearing modes are born from toroidal sidebands of the near resonant ideal internal kink mode. New scalings of the growth rate with the magnetic Reynolds number arise from two fluid effects and sheared toroidal flow. Non-linear saturated 1/1 dominant modes obtained from initial value stability calculation agree with the amplitude of the 1/1 component of a 3D VMEC equilibrium calculation. Viable and realistic equilibrium representation of such internal kink modes allow fast ion studies to be accurately established. Calculations of MAST neutral beam ion distributions using the VENUS-LEVIS code show very good agreement of observed impaired core fast ion confinement when long lived modes occur. The 3D ICRH code SCENIC also enables the establishment of minority RF distributions in hybrid plasmas susceptible to saturated near resonant internal kink modes.

The Experiment of Modulated Toroidal Current on HT-7 and HT-6M Tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, Jian-shan; P, Phillips; Luo, Jia-rong; Xu, Yu-hong; Zhao, Jun-yu; Zhang, Xian-mei; Wan, Bao-nian; Zhang, Shou-yin; Jie, Yin-xian; Wu, Zhen-wei; Hu, Li-qun; Liu, Sheng-xia; Shi, Yue-jiang; Li, Jian-gang; HT-6M; HT-7 Group

2003-02-01

The Experiments of Modulated Toroidal Current were done on the HT-6M tokamak and HT-7 superconducting tokamak. The toroidal current was modulated by programming the Ohmic heating field. Modulation of the plasma current has been used successfully to suppress MHD activity in discharges near the density limit where large MHD m = 2 tearing modes were suppressed by sufficiently large plasma current oscillations. The improved Ohmic confinement phase was observed during modulating toroidal current (MTC) on the Hefei Tokamak-6M (HT-6M) and Hefei superconducting Tokamak-7 (HT-7). A toroidal frequency-modulated current, induced by a modulated loop voltage, was added on the plasma equilibrium current. The ratio of A.C. amplitude of plasma current to the main plasma current ΔIp/Ip is about 12%-30%. The different formats of the frequency-modulated toroidal current were compared.

Steady state compact toroidal plasma production

DOEpatents

Turner, William C.

1986-01-01

Apparatus and method for maintaining steady state compact toroidal plasmas. A compact toroidal plasma is formed by a magnetized coaxial plasma gun and held in close proximity to the gun electrodes by applied magnetic fields or magnetic fields produced by image currents in conducting walls. Voltage supply means maintains a constant potential across the electrodes producing an increasing magnetic helicity which drives the plasma away from a minimum energy state. The plasma globally relaxes to a new minimum energy state, conserving helicity according to Taylor's relaxation hypothesis, and injecting net helicity into the core of the compact toroidal plasma. Controlling the voltage so as to inject net helicity at a predetermined rate based on dissipative processes maintains or increases the compact toroidal plasma in a time averaged steady state mode.

Spatial Variations of Poloidal and Toroidal Mode Field Line Resonances Observed by MMS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Le, G.; Chi, P. J.; Strangeway, R. J.; Russell, C. T.; Slavin, J. A.; Anderson, B. J.; Kepko, L.; Nakamura, R.; Plaschke, F.; Torbert, R. B.

2017-12-01

Field line resonances (FLRs) are magnetosphere's responses to solar wind forcing and internal instabilities generated by solar wind-magnetospheric interactions. They are standing waves along the Earth's magnetic field lines oscillating in either poloidal or toroidal modes. The two types of waves have their unique frequency characteristics. The eigenfrequency of FLRs is determined by the length of the field line and the plasma density, and thus gradually changes with L. For toroidal mode oscillations with magnetic field perturbations in the azimuthal direction, ideal MHD predicts that each field line oscillates independently with its own eigenfrequency. For poloidal mode waves with field lines oscillating radially, their frequency cannot change with L easily as L shells need to oscillate in sync to avoid efficient damping due to phase mixing. Observations, mainly during quiet times, indeed show that poloidal mode waves often exhibit nearly constant frequency across L shells. Our recent observations, on the other hand, reveal a clear L-dependent frequency trend for a long lasting storm-time poloidal wave event, indicating the wave can maintain its power with changing frequencies for an extended period [Le et al., 2017]. The spatial variation of the frequency shows discrete spatial structures. The frequency remains constant within each discrete structure that spans about 1 REalong L, and changes discretely. We present a follow-up study to investigate spatial variations of wave frequencies using the Wigner-Ville distribution. We examine both poloidal and toroidal waves under different geomagnetic conditions using multipoint observations from MMS, and compare their frequency and occurrence characteristics for insights into their generation mechanisms. Reference: Le, G., et al. (2017), Global observations of magnetospheric high-m poloidal waves during the 22 June 2015 magnetic storm, Geophys. Res. Lett., 44, 3456-3464, doi:10.1002/2017GL073048.

Advanced feedback control methods in EXTRAP T2R reversed field pinch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yadikin, D.; Brunsell, P. R.; Paccagnella, R.

2006-07-01

Previous experiments in the EXTRAP T2R reversed field pinch device have shown the possibility of suppression of multiple resistive wall modes (RWM). A feedback system has been installed in EXTRAP T2R having 100% coverage of the toroidal surface by the active coil array. Predictions based on theory and the previous experimental results show that the number of active coils should be sufficient for independent stabilization of all unstable RWMs in the EXTRAP T2R. Experiments using different feedback schemes are performed, comparing the intelligent shell, the fake rotating shell, and the mode control with complex feedback gains. Stabilization of all unstable RWMs throughout the discharge duration of td≈10τw is seen using the intelligent shell feedback scheme. Mode rotation and the control of selected Fourier harmonics is obtained simultaneously using the mode control scheme with complex gains. Different sensor signals are studied. A feedback system with toroidal magnetic field sensors could have an advantage of lower feedback gain needed for the RWM suppression compared to the system with radial magnetic field sensors. In this study, RWM suppression is demonstrated, using also the toroidal field component as a sensor signal in the feedback system.

MHD-model for low-frequency waves in a tokamak with toroidal plasma rotation and problem of existence of global geodesic acoustic modes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lakhin, V. P.; Sorokina, E. A., E-mail: sorokina.ekaterina@gmail.com, E-mail: vilkiae@gmail.com; Ilgisonis, V. I.

2015-12-15

A set of reduced linear equations for the description of low-frequency perturbations in toroidally rotating plasma in axisymmetric tokamak is derived in the framework of ideal magnetohydrodynamics. The model suitable for the study of global geodesic acoustic modes (GGAMs) is designed. An example of the use of the developed model for derivation of the integral conditions for GGAM existence and of the corresponding dispersion relation is presented. The paper is dedicated to the memory of academician V.D. Shafranov.

Effect of Gyroviscosity on Tearing Modes in Tokamak Plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

White, Ryan; Glasser, Alan

2017-10-01

We present an extension of the Glasser-Greene-Johnson equations, incorporating the Braginskii gyroviscosity. It is found that the dominant terms from the gyroviscous stress are all due to poloidal variation of the equilibrium profile, implying that these physical effects are not captured in a large-aspect-ratio (cylindrical) model. Because these purely toroidal contributions dominate, we conclude that thewell-known ``gyroviscous cancellation'' is a higher-order effect in toroidal confinement systems. We also present preliminary numerical results showing the effect of gyroviscosity on tearing mode stability. ORISE/DOE Fusion Energy Sciences Postdoctoral Fellowship.

Observation of odd toroidal Alfvén eigenmodes.

PubMed

Kramer, G J; Sharapov, S E; Nazikian, R; Gorelenkov, N N; Budny, R V

2004-01-09

Experimental evidence is presented for the existence of the theoretically predicted odd toroidicity induced Alfvén eigenmode (TAE) from the simultaneous appearance of odd and even TAEs in a normal shear discharge of the joint European torus. The modes are observed in low central magnetic shear plasmas created by injecting lower hybrid current drive. A fast ion population was created by applying ion cyclotron heating at the high-field side to excite the TAEs. The odd TAEs were identified from their frequency, mode number, and timing relative to the even TAEs.

Derivation of the threshold condition for the ion temperature gradient mode with an inverted density profile from a simple physics picture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jhang, Hogun

2018-05-01

We show that the threshold condition for the toroidal ion temperature gradient (ITG) mode with an inverted density profile can be derived from a simple physics argument. The key in this picture is that the density inversion reduces the ion compression due to the ITG mode and the electron drift motion mitigates the poloidal potential build-up. This condition reproduces the same result that has been reported from a linear gyrokinetic calculation [T. S. Hahm and W. M. Tang, Phys. Fluids B 1, 1185 (1989)]. The destabilizing role of trapped electrons in toroidal geometry is easily captured in this picture.

Long-wavelength microinstabilities in toroidal plasmas*

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, W. M.; Rewoldt, G.

1993-07-01

Realistic kinetic toroidal eigenmode calculations have been carried out to support a proper assessment of the influence of long-wavelength microturbulence on transport in tokamak plasmas. In order to efficiently evaluate large-scale kinetic behavior extending over many rational surfaces, significant improvements have been made to a toroidal finite element code used to analyze the fully two-dimensional (r,θ) mode structures of trapped-ion and toroidal ion temperature gradient (ITG) instabilities. It is found that even at very long wavelengths, these eigenmodes exhibit a strong ballooning character with the associated radial structure relatively insensitive to ion Landau damping at the rational surfaces. In contrast to the long-accepted picture that the radial extent of trapped-ion instabilities is characterized by the ion-gyroradius-scale associated with strong localization between adjacent rational surfaces, present results demonstrate that under realistic conditions, the actual scale is governed by the large-scale variations in the equilibrium gradients. Applications to recent measurements of fluctuation properties in Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) [Plasma Phys. Controlled Nucl. Fusion Res. (International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, 1985), Vol. 1, p. 29] L-mode plasmas indicate that the theoretical trends appear consistent with spectral characteristics as well as rough heuristic estimates of the transport level. Benchmarking calculations in support of the development of a three-dimensional toroidal gyrokinetic code indicate reasonable agreement with respect to both the properties of the eigenfunctions and the magnitude of the eigenvalues during the linear phase of the simulations of toroidal ITG instabilities.

Geodesic acoustic mode (GAM) like oscillations and RMP effect in the STOR-M tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basu, Debjyoti; Nakajima, Masaru; Melnikov, A. V.; McColl, David; Rohollahi, Akbar; Elgriw, Sayf; Xiao, Chijin; Hirose, Akira

2018-02-01

A new kind of quasi-coherent mode was observed in ohmic plasma in the STOR-M tokamak. It is featured with a clear solitary peak around 30-35 kHz in the power spectra of the ion saturation current (I_sat) of Langmuir probe as well as poloidal and toroidal mode numbers (m  =  1,n  =  0) as per the prediction of conventional geodesic acoustic mode (GAM) theory. The dispersion relation of the mode is also similar to GAM and it also shows collisional damping. In contrast to conventional GAM, the floating potential ϕ of the observed GAM-like mode does not show similar symmetric poloidal and toroidal mode numbers (m  =  0,n  =  0), but has (m  =  1,n  =  1). The GAM-like mode has also a pronounced magnetic component with mixed poloidal modes (m=3~and~m=5; n=1 ), as observed by Mirnov coils. This mode is suppressed by the application of resonance magnetic perturbations.

Transport and Dynamics in Toroidal Fusion Systems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schnack, Dalton D

2006-05-16

This document reports the successful completion of the OFES Theory Milestone for FY2005, namely, Perform parametric studies to better understand the edge physics regimes of laboratory experiments. Simulate at increased resolution (up to 20 toroidal modes), with density evolution, late into the nonlinear phase and compare results from different types of edge modes. Simulate a single case including a study of heat deposition on nearby material walls. The linear stability properties and nonlinear evolution of Edge Localized Modes (ELMs) in tokamak plasmas are investigated through numerical computation. Data from the DIII-D device at General Atomics (http://fusion.gat.com/diii-d/) is used for themore » magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equilibria, but edge parameters are varied to reveal important physical effects. The equilibrium with very low magnetic shear produces an unstable spectrum that is somewhat insensitive to dissipation coefficient values. Here, linear growth rates from the non-ideal NIMROD code (http://nimrodteam.org) agree reasonably well with ideal, i.e. non-dissipative, results from the GATO global linear stability code at low toroidal mode number (n) and with ideal results from the ELITE edge linear stability code at moderate to high toroidal mode number. Linear studies with a more realistic sequence of MHD equilibria (based on DIII-D discharge 86166) produce more significant discrepancies between the ideal and non-ideal calculations. The maximum growth rate for the ideal computations occurs at toroidal mode index n=10, whereas growth rates in the non-ideal computations continue to increase with n unless strong anisotropic thermal conduction is included. Recent modeling advances allow drift effects associated with the Hall electric field and gyroviscosity to be considered. A stabilizing effect can be observed in the preliminary results, but while the distortion in mode structure is readily apparent at n=40, the growth rate is only 13% less than the non-ideal MHD result. Computations performed with a non-local kinetic closure for parallel electron thermal conduction that is valid over all collisionality regimes identify thermal diffusivity ratios of {chi}{sub ||}/{chi}{sub {perpendicular}} ~ 10{sup 7} - 10{sup 8} as appropriate when using collisional heat flux modeling for these modes. Adding significant parallel viscosity proves to have little effect. Nonlinear ELM computations solve the resistive MHD model with toroidal resolution 0{<=}n{<=}21, including anisotropic thermal conduction, temperature-dependent resistivity, and number density evolution. The computations are based on a realistic equilibrium with high pedestal temperature from the linear study. When the simulated ELM grows to appreciable amplitude, ribbon-like thermal structures extend from the separatrix to the wall as the spectrum broadens about a peak at n=13. Analysis of the results finds the heat flux on the wall to be very nonuniform with greatest intensity occurring in spots on the top and bottom of the chamber. Net thermal energy loss occurs on a time-scale of 100 {micro}s, and the instantaneous loss rate exceeds 1 GW.« less

An attempt to estimate isotropic and anisotropic lateral structure of the Earth by spectral inversion incorporating mixed coupling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oda, Hitoshi

2005-02-01

We present a way to calculate free oscillation spectra for an aspherical earth model, which is constructed by adding isotropic and anisotropic velocity perturbations to the seismic velocity parameters of a reference earth model, and examine the effect of the velocity perturbations on the free oscillation spectrum. Lateral variations of the velocity perturbations are parametrized as an expansion in generalized spherical harmonics. We assume weak hexagonal anisotropy for the seismic wave anisotropy in the upper mantle, where the hexagonal symmetry axes are horizontally distributed. The synthetic spectra show that the velocity perturbations cause not only strong self-coupling among singlets of a multiplet but also mixed coupling between toroidal and spheroidal multiplets. Both the couplings give rise to an amplitude anomaly on the vertical component spectrum. In this study, we identify the amplitude anomaly resulting from the mixed coupling as quasi-toroidal mode. Excitation of the quasi-toroidal mode by a vertical strike-slip fault is largest on nodal lines of the Rayleigh wave, decreases with increasing azimuth angle and becomes smallest on loop lines. This azimuthal dependence of the spectral amplitude is quite similar to the Love wave radiation pattern. In addition, the amplitude spectrum of the quasi-toroidal mode is more sensitive to the anisotropic velocity perturbation than to the isotropic velocity perturbation. This means that the mode spectrum allowing for the mixed-coupling effect may provide constraints on the anisotropic lateral structure as well as the isotropic lateral structure. An inversion method, called mixed-coupling spectral inversion, is devised to retrieve the isotropic and anisotropic velocity perturbations from the free oscillation spectra incorporating the quasi-toroidal mode. We confirm that the spectral inversion method correctly recovers the isotropic and anisotropic lateral structure. Moreover introducing the mixed-coupling effect in the spectral inversion makes it possible to estimate the odd-order lateral structure, which cannot be determined by the conventional spectral inversion, which takes no account of the mixed coupling. Higher order structure is biased by the mixed coupling when the conventional spectral inversion is applied to the amplitude spectra incorporating the mixed coupling.

Nonradiating anapole modes in dielectric nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Miroshnichenko, Andrey E.; Evlyukhin, Andrey B.; Yu, Ye Feng; Bakker, Reuben M.; Chipouline, Arkadi; Kuznetsov, Arseniy I.; Luk'yanchuk, Boris; Chichkov, Boris N.; Kivshar, Yuri S.

2015-01-01

Nonradiating current configurations attract attention of physicists for many years as possible models of stable atoms. One intriguing example of such a nonradiating source is known as ‘anapole'. An anapole mode can be viewed as a composition of electric and toroidal dipole moments, resulting in destructive interference of the radiation fields due to similarity of their far-field scattering patterns. Here we demonstrate experimentally that dielectric nanoparticles can exhibit a radiationless anapole mode in visible. We achieve the spectral overlap of the toroidal and electric dipole modes through a geometry tuning, and observe a highly pronounced dip in the far-field scattering accompanied by the specific near-field distribution associated with the anapole mode. The anapole physics provides a unique playground for the study of electromagnetic properties of nontrivial excitations of complex fields, reciprocity violation and Aharonov–Bohm like phenomena at optical frequencies. PMID:26311109

Three-dimensional simulation of H-mode plasmas with localized divertor impurity injection on Alcator C-Mod using the edge transport code EMC3-EIRENE

DOE PAGES

Lore, Jeremy D.; Reinke, M. L.; Brunner, D.; ...

2015-04-28

We study experiments in Alcator C-Mod to assess the level of toroidal asymmetry in divertor conditions resulting from poloidally and toroidally localized extrinsic impurity gas seeding show a weak toroidal peaking (~1.1) in divertor electron temperatures for high-power enhanced D-alpha H-modeplasmas. This is in contrast to similar experiments in Ohmically heated L-modeplasmas, which showed a clear toroidal modulation in the divertor electron temperature. Modeling of these experiments using the 3D edge transport code EMC3-EIRENE [Y. Feng et al., J. Nucl. Mater. 241, 930 (1997)] qualitatively reproduces these trends, and indicates that the different response in the simulations is due tomore » the ionization location of the injected nitrogen. Low electron temperatures in the private flux region (PFR) in L-mode result in a PFR plasma that is nearly transparent to neutral nitrogen, while in H-mode the impurities are ionized in close proximity to the injection location, with this latter case yielding a largely axisymmetric radiation pattern in the scrape-off-layer. In conclusion, the consequences for the ITER gas injection system are discussed. Quantitative agreement with the experiment is lacking in some areas, suggesting potential areas for improving the physics model in EMC3-EIRENE.« less

Effect of large magnetic islands on screening of external magnetic perturbation fields at slow plasma flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, L.; Liu, Y. Q.; Huang, X.; Luan, Q.; Zhong, F. C.

2017-02-01

A toroidal resistive magneto-hydrodynamic plasma response model, involving large magnetic islands, is proposed and numerically investigated, based on local flattening of the equilibrium pressure profile near a rational surface. It is assumed that such islands can be generated near the edge of the tokamak plasma, due to the penetration of the resonant magnetic perturbations, used for the purpose of controlling the edge localized mode. Within this model, it is found that the local flattening of the equilibrium pressure helps to mitigate the toroidal curvature induced screening effect [Glasser et al., Phys. Fluids 7, 875 (1975)]—the so called Glasser-Greene-Johnson screening, when the local toroidal flow near the mode rational surface is very slow (for example, as a result of mode locking associated with the field penetration). The saturation level of the plasma response amplitude is computed, as the plasma rotation frequency approaches zero. The local modification of the plasma resistivity inside the magnetic island is found to also affect the saturation level of the plasma response at vanishing flow.

The role of the density gradient on intermittent cross-field transport events in a simple magnetized toroidal plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Theiler, C.; Diallo, A.; Fasoli, A.; Furno, I.; Labit, B.; Podestà, M.; Poli, F. M.; Ricci, P.

2008-04-01

Intermittent cross-field particle transport events (ITEs) are studied in the basic toroidal device TORPEX [TORoidal Plasma EXperiment, A. Fasoli et al., Phys. Plasmas 13, 055902 (2006)], with focus on the role of the density gradient. ITEs are due to the intermittent radial elongation of an interchange mode. The elongating positive wave crests can break apart and form blobs. This is not necessary, however, for plasma particles to be convected a considerable distance across the magnetic field lines. Conditionally sampled data reveal two different scenarios leading to ITEs. In the first case, the interchange mode grows radially from a slab-like density profile and leads to the ITE. A novel analysis technique reveals a monotonic dependence between the vertically averaged inverse radial density scale length and the probability for a subsequent ITE. In the second case, the mode is already observed before the start of the ITE. It does not elongate radially in a first stage, but at a later time. It is shown that this elongation is preceded by a steepening of the density profile as well.

Fast Wave Transmission Measurements on Alcator C-Mod

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reardon, J.; Bonoli, P. T.; Porkolab, M.; Takase, Y.; Wukitch, S. J.

1997-11-01

Data are presented from an array of single-turn loop probes newly installed on the inner wall of C-Mod, directly opposite one of the two fast-wave antennas. The 8-loop array extends 32^circ in the toroidal direction at the midplane and can distinguish electromagnetic from electrostatic modes. Data are acquired by 1GHz digitizer, spectrum analyzer, and RF detector circuit. Phase measurements during different heating scenarios show evidence of both standing and travelling waves. The measurement of toroidal mode number N_tor (conserved under the assumption of axisymmetry) is used to guide the toroidal full-wave code TORIC(Brambilla, M., IPP Report 5/66, February 1996). Amplitude measurements show modulation both by Type III ELMs and sawteeth; the observed sawtooth modulation may be interpreted as due to changes in central absorption. The amplitude of tildeB_tor measured at the inner wall is compared to the prediction of TORIC.

Combined effects of trapped energetic ions and resistive layer damping on the stability of the resistive wall mode

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

He, Yuling; Liu, Yue, E-mail: Yueqiang.Liu@ccfe.ac.uk, E-mail: liuyue@dlut.edu.cn; Liu, Chao

2016-01-15

A dispersion relation is derived for the stability of the resistive wall mode (RWM), which includes both the resistive layer damping physics and the toroidal precession drift resonance damping from energetic ions in tokamak plasmas. The dispersion relation is numerically solved for a model plasma, for the purpose of systematic investigation of the RWM stability in multi-dimensional plasma parameter space including the plasma resistivity, the radial location of the resistive wall, as well as the toroidal flow velocity. It is found that the toroidal favorable average curvature in the resistive layer contributes a significant stabilization of the RWM. This stabilizationmore » is further enhanced by adding the drift kinetic contribution from energetic ions. Furthermore, two traditionally assumed inner layer models are considered and compared in the dispersion relation, resulting in different predictions for the stability of the RWM.« less

Characterization of peeling modes in a low aspect ratio tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bongard, M. W.; Thome, K. E.; Barr, J. L.; Burke, M. G.; Fonck, R. J.; Hinson, E. T.; Redd, A. J.; Schlossberg, D. J.

2014-11-01

Peeling modes are observed at the plasma edge in the Pegasus Toroidal Experiment under conditions of high edge current density (Jedge ˜ 0.1 MA m-2) and low magnetic field (B ˜ 0.1 T) present at near-unity aspect ratio. Their macroscopic properties are measured using external Mirnov coil arrays, Langmuir probes and high-speed visible imaging. The modest edge parameters and short pulse lengths of Pegasus discharges permit direct measurement of the internal magnetic field structure with an insertable array of Hall-effect sensors, providing the current profile and its temporal evolution. Peeling modes generate coherent, edge-localized electromagnetic activity with low toroidal mode numbers n ⩽ 3 and high poloidal mode numbers, in agreement with theoretical expectations of a low-n external kink structure. Coherent MHD fluctuation amplitudes are found to be strongly dependent on the experimentally measured Jedge/B peeling instability drive, consistent with theory. Peeling modes nonlinearly generate ELM-like, field-aligned filamentary structures that detach from the edge and propagate radially outward. The KFIT equilibrium code is extended with an Akima spline profile parameterization and an improved model for induced toroidal wall current estimation to obtain a reconstruction during peeling activity with its current profile constrained by internal Hall measurements. It is used to test the analytic peeling stability criterion and numerically evaluate ideal MHD stability. Both approaches predict instability, in agreement with experiment, with the latter identifying an unstable external kink.

Reduction of toroidal rotation by fast wave power in DIII-D

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Grassie, J.S. de; Baker, D.R.; Burrell, K.H.

1997-04-01

The application of fast wave power in DIII-D has proven effective for both electron heating and current drive. Since the last RIF Conference FW power has been applied to advanced confinement regimes in DIII-D; negative central shear (NCS), VH- and H-modes, high {beta}{sub p}, and high-{ell}i. Typically these regimes show enhanced confinement of toroidal momentum exhibited by increased toroidal rotation velocity. Indeed, layers of large shear in toroidal velocity are associated with transport barriers. A rather common occurrence in these experiments is that the toroidal rotation velocity is decreased when the FW power is turned on, to lowest order independentmore » of whether the antennas are phased for co or counter current drive. At present all the data is for co-injected beams. The central toroidal rotation can be reduced to 1/2 of the non-FW level. Here the authors describe the effect in NCS discharges with co-beam injection.« less

On the interplay between neoclassical tearing modes and nonlocal transport in toroidal plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, X. Q.; Xu, Y.; Hidalgo, C.; Diamond, P. H.; Liu, Yi; Pan, O.; Shi, Z. B.; Yu, D. L.

2016-09-01

This Letter presents the first observation on the interplay between nonlocal transport and neoclassical tearing modes (NTMs) during transient nonlocal heat transport events in the HL-2A tokamak. The nonlocality is triggered by edge cooling and large-scale, inward propagating avalanches. These lead to a locally enhanced pressure gradient at the q = 3/2 (or 2/1) rational surface and hence the onset of the NTM in relatively low β plasmas (βN < 1). The NTM, in return, regulates the nonlocal transport by truncation of avalanches by local sheared toroidal flows which develop near the magnetic island. These findings have direct implications for understanding the dynamic interaction between turbulence and large-scale mode structures in fusion plasmas.

The importance of matched poloidal spectra to error field correction in DIII-D

DOE PAGES

Paz-Soldan, Carlos; Lanctot, Matthew J.; Logan, Nikolas C.; ...

2014-07-09

Optimal error field correction (EFC) is thought to be achieved when coupling to the least-stable "dominant" mode of the plasma is nulled at each toroidal mode number ( n). The limit of this picture is tested in the DIII-D tokamak by applying superpositions of in- and ex-vessel coil set n = 1 fields calculated to be fully orthogonal to the n = 1 dominant mode. In co-rotating H-mode and low-density Ohmic scenarios the plasma is found to be respectively 7x and 20x less sensitive to the orthogonal field as compared to the in-vessel coil set field. For the scenarios investigated,more » any geometry of EFC coil can thus recover a strong majority of the detrimental effect introduced by the n = 1 error field. Furthermore, despite low sensitivity to the orthogonal field, its optimization in H-mode is shown to be consistent with minimizing the neoclassical toroidal viscosity torque and not the higher-order n = 1 mode coupling.« less

Dependence of neoclassical toroidal viscosity on the poloidal spectrum of applied nonaxisymmetric fields

DOE PAGES

Logan, Nikolas C.; Park, Jong -Kyu; Paz-Soldan, Carloa; ...

2016-02-05

This paper presents a single mode model that accurately predicts the coupling of applied nonaxisymmetric fields to the plasma response that induces neoclassical toroidal viscosity (NTV) torque in DIII-D H-mode plasmas. The torque is measured and modeled to have a sinusoidal dependence on the relative phase of multiple nonaxisymmetric field sources, including a minimum in which large amounts of nonaxisymmetric drive is decoupled from the NTV torque. This corresponds to the coupling and decoupling of the applied field to a NTV-driving mode spectrum. Modeling using the perturbed equilibrium nonambipolar transport (PENT) code confirms an effective single mode coupling between themore » applied field and the resultant torque, despite its inherent nonlinearity. Lastly, the coupling to the NTV mode is shown to have a similar dependence on the relative phasing as that of the IPEC dominant mode, providing a physical basis for the efficacy of this linear metric in predicting error field correction optima in NTV dominated regimes.« less

Dependence of neoclassical toroidal viscosity on the poloidal spectrum of applied nonaxisymmetric fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Logan, N. C.; Park, J.-K.; Paz-Soldan, C.; Lanctot, M. J.; Smith, S. P.; Burrell, K. H.

2016-03-01

This paper presents a single mode model that accurately predicts the coupling of applied nonaxisymmetric fields to the plasma response that induces neoclassical toroidal viscosity (NTV) torque in DIII-D H-mode plasmas. The torque is measured and modeled to have a sinusoidal dependence on the relative phase of multiple nonaxisymmetric field sources, including a minimum in which large amounts of nonaxisymmetric drive is decoupled from the NTV torque. This corresponds to the coupling and decoupling of the applied field to a NTV-driving mode spectrum. Modeling using the perturbed equilibrium nonambipolar transport (PENT) code confirms an effective single mode coupling between the applied field and the resultant torque, despite its inherent nonlinearity. The coupling to the NTV mode is shown to have a similar dependence on the relative phasing as that of the IPEC dominant mode, providing a physical basis for the efficacy of this linear metric in predicting error field correction optima in NTV dominated regimes.

Electron Temperature and Density in Local Helicity Injection and High betat Plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schlossberg, David J.

Tokamak startup in a spherical torus (ST) and an ST-based fusion nuclear science facility can greatly benefit from using non-inductive methods. The Pegasus Toroidal Experiment has developed a non-inductive startup technique using local helicity injection (LHI). Electron temperature, T e(r), and density, ne( r), profiles during LHI are unknown. These profiles are critical for understanding both the physics of the injection and relaxation mechanisms, as well as for extrapolating this technique to larger devices. A new Thomson scattering system has been designed, installed, and used to characterize Te(r, t) and ne(r, t) during LHI. The diagnostic leverages new technology in image intensified CCD cameras, high-efficiency diffraction gratings, and reliable Nd:YAG lasers. Custom systems for stray light mitigation, fast shuttering, and precision timing have been developed and implemented. The overall system provides a low-maintenance, economic, and effective means to explore novel physics regimes in Pegasus. Electron temperature and density profiles during LHI have been measured for the first time. Results indicate Te(r) peaked in the core of plasmas, and sustained while plasmas are coupled to injection drive. Electron densities also peak near the core of the tokamak, up to local values of n e ˜ 1.5 x 1019 m -3. A comparison of Te( r, t) has been made between discharges with dominant drive voltage from induction versus helicity injection. In both cases Te ( r, t) profiles remain peaked, with values for Te ,max > 150 eV in dominantly helicity-driven plasmas using high-field side LHI. Sustained values of betat ˜ 100% have been demonstrated in a tokamak for the first time. Plasmas are created and driven entirely non-solenoidally, and exhibit MHD stability. Measured temperature and density profiles are used to constrain magnetic equilibrium reconstructions, which calculate 80% < betat < 100% throughout a toroidal field ramp-down. For a continued decrease in the toroidal field these plasmas disrupt near the ideal MHD no-wall stability limit predicted by the DCON code. Mode analyses of predicted and measured MHD agree, and suggest discharges terminate by an intermediate-m, n=1 external mode. A localized region of minimum |B| has been identified in these discharges, and modeling shows access to it depends on both plasma pressure and magnetic geometry. This magnetic well is shown to persist over several milliseconds, in both constant toroidal field and ramp-down cases.

Toroidal Localized Spoof Plasmons on Compact Metadisks.

PubMed

Qin, Pengfei; Yang, Yihao; Musa, Muhyiddeen Yahya; Zheng, Bin; Wang, Zuojia; Hao, Ran; Yin, Wenyan; Chen, Hongsheng; Li, Erping

2018-03-01

Localized spoof surface plasmons (LSSPs) have recently emerged as a new research frontier due to their unique properties and increasing applications. Despite the importance, most of the current researches only focus on electric/magnetic LSSPs. Very recent research has revealed that toroidal LSSPs, LSSPs modes with multipole toroidal moments, can be achieved at a point defect in a 2D groove metal array. However, this metamaterial shows the limitations of large volume and poor compatibility to photonic integrated circuits. To overcome the above challenges, here it is proposed and experimentally demonstrated compact planar metadisks based on split ring resonators to support the toroidal LSSPs at microwave frequencies. Additionally, it is experimentally demonstrated that the toroidal LSSPs resonance is very sensitive to the structure changes and the background medium. These might facilitate its utilization in the design and application of plasmonic deformation sensors and the refractive index sensors.

Theory-based model for the pedestal, edge stability and ELMs in tokamaks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pankin, A. Y.; Bateman, G.; Brennan, D. P.; Schnack, D. D.; Snyder, P. B.; Voitsekhovitch, I.; Kritz, A. H.; Janeschitz, G.; Kruger, S.; Onjun, T.; Pacher, G. W.; Pacher, H. D.

2006-04-01

An improved model for triggering edge localized mode (ELM) crashes is developed for use within integrated modelling simulations of the pedestal and ELM cycles at the edge of H-mode tokamak plasmas. The new model is developed by using the BALOO, DCON and ELITE ideal MHD stability codes to derive parametric expressions for the ELM triggering threshold. The whole toroidal mode number spectrum is studied with these codes. The DCON code applies to low mode numbers, while the BALOO code applies to only high mode numbers and the ELITE code applies to intermediate and high mode numbers. The variables used in the parametric stability expressions are the normalized pressure gradient and the parallel current density, which drive ballooning and peeling modes. Two equilibria motivated by DIII-D geometry with different plasma triangularities are studied. It is found that the stable region in the high triangularity discharge covers a much larger region of parameter space than the corresponding stability region in the low triangularity discharge. The new ELM trigger model is used together with a previously developed model for pedestal formation and ELM crashes in the ASTRA integrated modelling code to follow the time evolution of the temperature profiles during ELM cycles. The ELM frequencies obtained in the simulations of low and high triangularity discharges are observed to increase with increasing heating power. There is a transition from second stability to first ballooning mode stability as the heating power is increased in the high triangularity simulations. The results from the ideal MHD stability codes are compared with results from the resistive MHD stability code NIMROD.

Response of plasma rotation to resonant magnetic perturbations in J-TEXT tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, W.; Chen, Z. Y.; Huang, D. W.; Hu, Q. M.; Shi, Y. J.; Ding, Y. H.; Cheng, Z. F.; Yang, Z. J.; Pan, X. M.; Lee, S. G.; Tong, R. H.; Wei, Y. N.; Dong, Y. B.; J-TEXT Team

2018-03-01

The response of plasma toroidal rotation to the external resonant magnetic perturbations (RMP) has been investigated in Joint Texas Experimental Tokamak (J-TEXT) ohmic heating plasmas. For the J-TEXT’s plasmas without the application of RMP, the core toroidal rotation is in the counter-current direction while the edge rotation is near zero or slightly in the co-current direction. Both static RMP experiments and rotating RMP experiments have been applied to investigate the plasma toroidal rotation. The core toroidal rotation decreases to lower level with static RMP. At the same time, the edge rotation can spin to more than 20 km s-1 in co-current direction. On the other hand, the core plasma rotation can be slowed down or be accelerated with the rotating RMP. When the rotating RMP frequency is higher than mode frequency, the plasma rotation can be accelerated to the rotating RMP frequency. The plasma confinement is improved with high frequency rotating RMP. The plasma rotation is decelerated to the rotating RMP frequency when the rotating RMP frequency is lower than the mode frequency. The plasma confinement also degrades with low frequency rotating RMP.

The role of MHD in 3D aspects of massive gas injection

DOE PAGES

Izzo, Valerie A.; Parks, P. B.; Eidietis, Nicholas W.; ...

2015-06-26

Simulations of massive gas injection (MGI) for disruption mitigation in DIII-D are carried out to compare the toroidal peaking of radiated power for the cases of one and two gas jets. The radiation toroidal peaking factor (TPF) results from a combination of the distribution of impurities and the distribution of heat flux associated with then =1 mode. The injected impurities are found to spread helically along field lines preferentially toward the high-field-side, which is explained in terms of a nozzle equation. In light of this mechanism, reversing the current direction also reverses the toroidal direction of impurity spreading. During themore » pre-thermal quench phase of the disruption, the toroidal peaking of radiated power is reduced in the straightforward manner by increasing from one to two gas jets. However, during the thermal quench phase, reduction in the TPF is achieved only for a particular arrangement of the two gas valves with respect to the field line pitch. In particular, the relationship between the two valve locations and the 1/1 mode phase is critical, where gas valve spacing that is coherent with 1/1 symmetry effectively reduces TPF.« less

Dual view FIDA measurements on MAST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michael, C. A.; Conway, N.; Crowley, B.; Jones, O.; Heidbrink, W. W.; Pinches, S.; Braeken, E.; Akers, R.; Challis, C.; Turnyanskiy, M.; Patel, A.; Muir, D.; Gaffka, R.; Bailey, S.

2013-09-01

A fast-ion deuterium alpha (FIDA) spectrometer was installed on MAST to measure radially resolved information about the fast-ion density and its distribution in energy and pitch angle. Toroidally and vertically directed collection lenses are employed, to detect both passing and trapped particle dynamics, and reference views are installed to subtract the background. This background is found to contain a substantial amount of passive FIDA emission driven by edge neutrals, and to depend delicately on viewing geometry. Results are compared with theoretical expectations based on the codes NUBEAM (for fast-ion distributions) and FIDASIM. Calibrating via the measured beam emission peaks, the toroidal FIDA signal profile agrees with classical simulations in magnetohydrodynamic quiescent discharges where the neutron rate is also classical. Long-lived modes (LLMs) and chirping modes decrease the core FIDA signal significantly, and the profile can be matched closely to simulations using anomalous diffusive transport; a spatially uniform diffusion coefficient is sufficient for chirping modes, while a core localized diffusion is better for a LLM. Analysis of a discharge with chirping mode activity shows a dramatic drop in the core FIDA signal and rapid increase in the edge passive signal at the onset of the burst indicating a very rapid redistribution towards the edge. Vertical-viewing measurements show a discrepancy with simulations at higher Doppler shifts when the neutron rate is classical, which, combined with the fact that the toroidal signals agree, means that the difference must be occurring for pitch angles near the trapped-passing boundary, although uncertainties in the background subtraction, which are difficult to assess, may contribute to this. Further evidence of an anomalous transport mechanism for these particles is provided by the fact that an increase of beam power does not increase the higher energy vertical FIDA signals, while the toroidal signals do increase.

Numerical simulation of the multiple core localized low shear toroidal Alfvenic eigenmodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Wenjia; Zhou, Deng; Hu, Youjun; Ming, Yue

2018-03-01

In modern tokamak experiments, scenarios with weak central magnetic shear has been proposed. It is necessary to study the Alfvenic mode activities in such scenarios. Theoretical researches have predicted the multiplicity of core-localized toroidally induced Alfvenic eigenmodes for ɛ/s > 1, where ɛ is the inverse aspect ratio and s is magnetic shear. We numerically investigate the existence of multiplicity of core-localized TAEs and mode characteristics using NOVA code in the present work. We firstly verify the existence of the multiplicity for zero beta plasma and the even mode at the forbidden zone. For finite beta plasma, the mode parities become more distinguishable, and the frequencies of odd modes are close to the upper tip of the continuum, while the frequencies of even modes are close to the lower tip of the continuum. Their frequencies are well separated by the forbidden zone. With the increasing value of ɛ/s, more modes with multiple radial nodes will appear, which is in agreement with theoretical prediction. The discrepancy between theoretical prediction and our numerical simulation is also discussed in the main text.

Statistical analysis of variations in impurity ion heating at reconnection events in the Madison Symmetric Torus

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cartolano, M. S.; Craig, D., E-mail: darren.craig@wheaton.edu; Den Hartog, D. J.

2014-01-15

The connection between impurity ion heating and other physical processes in the plasma is evaluated by studying variations in the amount of ion heating at reconnection events in the Madison Symmetric Torus (MST). Correlation of the change in ion temperature with individual tearing mode amplitudes indicates that the edge-resonant modes are better predictors for the amount of global ion heating than the core-resonant modes. There is also a strong correlation between ion heating and current profile relaxation. Simultaneous measurements of the ion temperature at different toroidal locations reveal, for the first time, a toroidal asymmetry to the ion heating inmore » MST. These results present challenges for existing heating theories and suggest a stronger connection between edge-resonant tearing modes, current profile relaxation, and ion heating than has been previously thought.« less

Determination of broken KAM surfaces for particle orbits in toroidal confinement systems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

White, R. B.

2015-10-05

Here, the destruction of Kolmogorov–Arnold–Moser surfaces in a Hamiltonian system is an important topic in nonlinear dynamics, and in particular in the theory of particle orbits in toroidal magnetic confinement systems. Analytic models for transport due to mode-particle resonances are not sufficiently correct to give the effect of these resonances on transport. In this paper we compare three different methods for the detection of the loss of stability of orbits in the dynamics of charged particles in a toroidal magnetic confinement device in the presence of time dependent magnetic perturbations.

Local time asymmetries and toroidal field line resonances: Global magnetospheric modeling in SWMF

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ellington, S. M.; Moldwin, M. B.; Liemohn, M. W.

2016-03-01

We present evidence of resonant wave-wave coupling via toroidal field line resonance (FLR) signatures in the Space Weather Modeling Framework's (SWMF) global, terrestrial magnetospheric model in one simulation driven by a synthetic upstream solar wind with embedded broadband dynamic pressure fluctuations. Using in situ, stationary point measurements of the radial electric field along the 1500 LT meridian, we show that SWMF reproduces a multiharmonic, continuous distribution of FLRs exemplified by 180° phase reversals and amplitude peaks across the resonant L shells. By linearly increasing the amplitude of the dynamic pressure fluctuations in time, we observe a commensurate increase in the amplitude of the radial electric and azimuthal magnetic field fluctuations, which is consistent with the solar wind driver being the dominant source of the fast mode energy. While we find no discernible local time changes in the FLR frequencies despite large-scale, monotonic variations in the dayside equatorial mass density, in selectively sampling resonant points and examining spectral resonance widths, we observe significant radial, harmonic, and time-dependent local time asymmetries in the radial electric field amplitudes. A weak but persistent local time asymmetry exists in measures of the estimated coupling efficiency between the fast mode and toroidal wave fields, which exhibits a radial dependence consistent with the coupling strength examined by Mann et al. (1999) and Zhu and Kivelson (1988). We discuss internal structural mechanisms and additional external energy sources that may account for these asymmetries as we find that local time variations in the strength of the compressional driver are not the predominant source of the FLR amplitude asymmetries. These include resonant mode coupling of observed Kelvin-Helmholtz surface wave generated Pc5 band ultralow frequency pulsations, local time differences in local ionospheric dampening rates, and variations in azimuthal mode number, which may impact the partitioning of spectral energy between the toroidal and poloidal wave modes.

Toroidal Alfven Waves in Advanced Tokamaks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berk, Herbert L.

2003-10-01

In burning plasma experiments, alpha particles have speeds that readily resonate with shear Alfven waves. It is essential to understand this Alfven wave spectrum for toroidal plasma confinement. Most interest has focused on the Toroidal Alfven Eigenmode (TAE), and a method of analysis has been developed to understand the structure of this mode at a flux surface with a given magnetic shear. However, this model fails when the shear is too low or reversed. In this case a new method of analysis is required, which must incorporate novel fluid-like effects from the energetic particles [1] and also include effects that are second order in the inverse toroidal aspect ratio. With this new method [2] we can obtain spectral features that agree with experimental results. In particular, this theory gives an explanation for the so-called Cascade modes that have been observed in JT-60 [3], JET [4], and TFTR [5]. For these Cascade modes, slow upward frequency sweeping is observed, beginning from frequencies below the TAE range but then often blending into the TAE range of frequencies. The theoretical understanding of the Cascades modes has evolved to the point where these modes can be used as a diagnostic "signature" [6] to experimentally optimize the formation of thermal barriers in reversed-shear operation when the minimum q value is an integer. [1] H. L. Berk et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 87, 185 (2002). [2] B. N. Breizman et al., submitted to Phys. Plasmas (2003). [3] H. Kimura et al., Nucl. Fusion 38, 1303 (1998). [4] S. Sharapov et al., Phys. Lett. A 289, 127 (2001); S. Sharapov, Phys. Plasmas 9, 2027 (2002). [5] R. Nazikian, H. L. Berk, et al., Bull. Am. Phys. Soc. 47, 327 (2002). [6] E. Joffrin et al., Plasma Phys. Contr. Fusion 44, 1739 (2002); E. Joffrin et al., in Proc. 2002 IAEA Fusion Energy Conference, submitted to Nucl. Fusion.

Extending the collisional fluid equations into the long mean-free-path regime in toroidal plasmas. IV. Banana regime

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shaing, K. C.

In Part I [Phys. Fluids B 2, 1190 (1990)] and Part II [Phys. Plasmas 12, 082508 (2005)], it was emphasized that the equilibrium plasma viscous forces when applied for the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) modes are only rigorously valid at the mode rational surface where m-nq=0. Here, m is the poloidal mode number, n is the toroidal mode number, and q is the safety factor. This important fact has been demonstrated explicitly by calculating the viscous forces in the plateau regime in Parts I and II. Here, the effective viscous forces in the banana regime are calculated for MHD modes by solvingmore » the linear drift kinetic equation that is driven by the plasma flows first derived in Part I. At the mode rational surface, the equilibrium plasma viscous forces are reproduced. However, it is found that away from the mode rational surface, the viscous forces for MHD modes decrease, a behavior similar to that observed in the viscous forces for the plateau regime. The proper form of the momentum equation that is appropriate for the modeling of the MHD modes is also discussed.« less

Error Field Assessment from Driven Mode Rotation: Results from Extrap-T2R Reversed-Field-Pinch and Perspectives for ITER

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Volpe, F. A.; Frassinetti, L.; Brunsell, P. R.; Drake, J. R.; Olofsson, K. E. J.

2012-10-01

A new ITER-relevant non-disruptive error field (EF) assessment technique not restricted to low density and thus low beta was demonstrated at the Extrap-T2R reversed field pinch. Resistive Wall Modes (RWMs) were generated and their rotation sustained by rotating magnetic perturbations. In particular, stable modes of toroidal mode number n=8 and 10 and unstable modes of n=1 were used in this experiment. Due to finite EFs, and in spite of the applied perturbations rotating uniformly and having constant amplitude, the RWMs were observed to rotate non-uniformly and be modulated in amplitude (in the case of unstable modes, the observed oscillation was superimposed to the mode growth). This behavior was used to infer the amplitude and toroidal phase of n=1, 8 and 10 EFs. The method was first tested against known, deliberately applied EFs, and then against actual intrinsic EFs. Applying equal and opposite corrections resulted in longer discharges and more uniform mode rotation, indicating good EF compensation. The results agree with a simple theoretical model. Extensions to tearing modes, to the non-uniform plasma response to rotating perturbations, and to tokamaks, including ITER, will be discussed.

Global Motions of the Nuclear Pore Complex: Insights from Elastic Network Models

PubMed Central

Lezon, Timothy R.; Sali, Andrej; Bahar, Ivet

2009-01-01

The nuclear pore complex (NPC) is the gate to the nucleus. Recent determination of the configuration of proteins in the yeast NPC at ∼5 nm resolution permits us to study the NPC global dynamics using coarse-grained structural models. We investigate these large-scale motions by using an extended elastic network model (ENM) formalism applied to several coarse-grained representations of the NPC. Two types of collective motions (global modes) are predicted by the ENMs to be intrinsically favored by the NPC architecture: global bending and extension/contraction from circular to elliptical shapes. These motions are shown to be robust against tested variations in the representation of the NPC, and are largely captured by a simple model of a toroid with axially varying mass density. We demonstrate that spoke multiplicity significantly affects the accessible number of symmetric low-energy modes of motion; the NPC-like toroidal structures composed of 8 spokes have access to highly cooperative symmetric motions that are inaccessible to toroids composed of 7 or 9 spokes. The analysis reveals modes of motion that may facilitate macromolecular transport through the NPC, consistent with previous experimental observations. PMID:19730674

Global motions of the nuclear pore complex: insights from elastic network models.

PubMed

Lezon, Timothy R; Sali, Andrej; Bahar, Ivet

2009-09-01

The nuclear pore complex (NPC) is the gate to the nucleus. Recent determination of the configuration of proteins in the yeast NPC at approximately 5 nm resolution permits us to study the NPC global dynamics using coarse-grained structural models. We investigate these large-scale motions by using an extended elastic network model (ENM) formalism applied to several coarse-grained representations of the NPC. Two types of collective motions (global modes) are predicted by the ENMs to be intrinsically favored by the NPC architecture: global bending and extension/contraction from circular to elliptical shapes. These motions are shown to be robust against tested variations in the representation of the NPC, and are largely captured by a simple model of a toroid with axially varying mass density. We demonstrate that spoke multiplicity significantly affects the accessible number of symmetric low-energy modes of motion; the NPC-like toroidal structures composed of 8 spokes have access to highly cooperative symmetric motions that are inaccessible to toroids composed of 7 or 9 spokes. The analysis reveals modes of motion that may facilitate macromolecular transport through the NPC, consistent with previous experimental observations.

Collisionality and temperature dependence of the edge main-ion co-current rotation profile feature on DIII-D

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haskey, Shaun; Grierson, Brian; Ashourvan, Arash; Battaglia, Devon; Chrystal, Colin; Burrell, Keith; Groebner, Richard; Degrassie, John; Stagner, Luke; Stoltzfus-Dueck, Timothy; Pablant, Novimir

2017-10-01

A new edge main-ion (D+) CER system and upgraded edge impurity system are revealing clear differences between the main-ion and dominant impurity (C6+) toroidal rotation from the pedestal top to the scrape off layer on DIII-D with implications for intrinsic rotation studies. A peaked co-current edge toroidal rotation is observed for the main ion species near the outboard midplane separatrix with values up to 140 km/s for low collisionality QH modes. In lower power (PNBI = 0.8MW) H-modes the edge rotation is still present but reduced to 50km/s. D+ and C6+ toroidal rotation differences are presented for a variety of scenarios covering a significant range of edge collisionality and Ti. Observations are compared with predictions from several models including collisionless ion orbit loss calculations and more complete modeling using the XGC0 code, which also predicts 140km/s edge rotation for low collisionality QH mode cases. Work supported by the U.S. DOE under DE-AC02-09CH11466, No. DE-FC02-04ER54698, and DE-FC02-95ER54309.

Comparing magnetic fluctuation dynamics in nonlinear MHD simulations of low-aspect-ratio RFPs to RELAX experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCollam, K. J.; den Hartog, D. J.; Jacobson, C. M.; Sovinec, C. R.; Masamune, S.; Sanpei, A.

2017-10-01

We present comparisons of magnetic tearing fluctuation activity between RFP experiments on the low-aspect-ratio RELAX device (R / a 2) and nonlinear simulations of zero-beta, single-fluid MHD using the NIMROD code in both cylindrical and toroidal geometries at a Lundquist number of S =104 , nearly as high as experimental values. Time-average fluctuation amplitudes observed in the simulations are similar to those from the experiments, but more rigorous comparisons versus spectral mode numbers are in progress. We also focus on how the spatiotemporal dynamics of the fluctuations vary with RFP equilibrium parameters. Interestingly, at shallow reversal, cylindrical simulations show a relatively uncoupled spectrum of nearly quiescent modes periodically varying in time, whereas the corresponding toroidal cases show a fully chaotic spectrum of strongly nonlinearly interacting modes. We ascribe this to the geometric m = 1 coupling present in the toroidal but not the cylindrical case. We present initial results from convergence studies with increased spatial resolution for both geometries. Simulations at higher S are planned. This work is supported by the U.S. DOE and by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.

A two-dimensional statistical framework connecting thermodynamic profiles with filaments in the scrape off layer and application to experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Militello, F.; Farley, T.; Mukhi, K.; Walkden, N.; Omotani, J. T.

2018-05-01

A statistical framework was introduced in Militello and Omotani [Nucl. Fusion 56, 104004 (2016)] to correlate the dynamics and statistics of L-mode and inter-ELM plasma filaments with the radial profiles of thermodynamic quantities they generate in the Scrape Off Layer. This paper extends the framework to cases in which the filaments are emitted from the separatrix at different toroidal positions and with a finite toroidal velocity. It is found that the toroidal velocity does not affect the profiles, while the toroidal distribution of filament emission renormalises the waiting time between two events. Experimental data collected by visual camera imaging are used to evaluate the statistics of the fluctuations, to inform the choice of the probability distribution functions used in the application of the framework. It is found that the toroidal separation of the filaments is exponentially distributed, thus suggesting the lack of a toroidal modal structure. Finally, using these measurements, the framework is applied to an experimental case and good agreement is found.

Nonlinear dynamics of toroidal Alfvén eigenmodes in the presence of tearing modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, J.; Ma, Z. W.; Wang, S.; Zhang, W.

2018-04-01

A hybrid simulation is carried out to study nonlinear dynamics of n  =  1 toroidal Alfvén eigenmodes (TAEs) with the m/n  =  2/1 tearing mode. It is found that the n  =  1 TAE is first excited by isotropic energetic particles at the linear stage and reaches the first steady state due to wave-particle interaction. After the saturation of the n  =  1 TAE, the m/n  =  2/1 tearing mode grows continuously and reaches its steady state due to nonlinear mode-mode coupling, especially, the n  =  0 component plays a very important role in the tearing mode saturation. The results suggest that the enhancement of the tearing mode activity with increase of the resistivity could weaken the TAE frequency chirping through the interaction between the p  =  1 TAE resonance and the p  =  2 tearing mode resonance for passing particles in the phase space, which is opposite to the classical physical picture of the TAE frequency chirping that is enhanced with dissipation increase.

Operation in low edge safety factor regime and passive disruption avoidance due to stellarator rotational transform in the Compact Toroidal Hybrid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandya, M. D.; Ennis, D. A.; Hartwell, G. J.; Maurer, D. A.

2015-11-01

Low edge safety factor operation at a value less than two (q (a) = 1 /ttot (a) < 2) is routine on the Compact Toroidal Hybrid device. Presently, the operational space of this current carrying stellarator extends down to q (a) = 1 . 2 without significant n = 1 kink mode activity after the initial plasma current rise of the discharge. The disruption dynamics of these low q (a) plasmas depend upon the fraction of rotational transform produced by external stellarator coils to that generated by the plasma current. We observe that when about 10% of the total rotational transform is supplied by the stellarator coils, low q (a) disruptions are passively suppressed and avoided even though q (a) < 2 . When the plasma does disrupt, the instability precursors measured and implicated as the cause are internal tearing modes with poloidal, m, and toroidal, n, mode numbers of m / n = 3 / 2 and 4 / 3 observed by external magnetic sensors, and m / n = 1 / 1 activity observed by core soft x-ray emissivity measurements. Even though q (a) passes through and becomes much less than two, external n = 1 kink mode activity does not appear to play a significant role in the observed disruption phenomenology. This work is supported by US Department of Energy Grant No. DE-FG02-00ER54610.

Bidirectional tornado modes on the Joint European Torus

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sandquist, P.; Sharapov, S. E.; Lisak, M.

In discharges on the Joint European Torus [P. H. Rebut and B. E. Keen, Fusion Technol. 11, 13 (1987)] with safety factor q(0)<1 and high-power ion cyclotron resonance heating (ICRH), monster sawtooth crashes are preceded by frequency sweeping 'tornado modes' in the toroidal Alfven eigenmode frequency range. A suite of equilibrium and spectral magnetohydrodynamical codes is used for explaining the observed evolution of the tornado mode frequency and for identifying temporal evolution of the safety factor inside the q=1 radius just before sawtooth crashes. In some cases, the tornado modes are observed simultaneously with both positive and negative toroidal modemore » numbers. Hence, a free energy source other than the radial gradient of the energetic ion pressure exciting these modes is sought. The distribution function of the ICRH-accelerated ions is assessed with the SELFO code [J. Hedin et al., Nucl. Fusion 42, 527 (2002)] and energetic particle drive due to the velocity space anisotropy of ICRH-accelerated ions is considered analytically as the possible source for excitation of bidirectional tornado modes.« less

Statistical studies of Pc 3-5 pulsations and their relevance for possible source mechanisms of ULF waves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, Brian J.

1993-01-01

A number of statistical studies using spacecraft data have been made of ULF waves in the magnetosphere. These studies provide an overview of ULF pulsation activity for r = 5-15 R(E) and allow an assessment of likely source mechanisms. In this review pulsations are categorized into five general types: compressional Pc 5, poloidal Pc 4, toroidal harmonics, toroidal Pc 5 (fundamental mode), and incoherent noise. The occurrence distributions and/or distributions of wave power of the different types suggest that compressional Pc 5 and poloidal Pc 4 derive their energy locally, most likely from energetic protons. The toroidal pulsations, both harmonic and fundamental mode, appear to be driven by an energy source outside the magnetopause - directly upstream in the sheath and solar wind for harmonics and the flanks for fundamentals. Incoherent pulsations are a prominent pulsation type but from their occurrence distribution alone it is unclear what their dominant energy source may be.

Computations of Vertical Displacement Events with Toroidal Asymmetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sovinec, C. R.; Bunkers, K. J.

2017-10-01

Nonlinear numerical MHD modeling with the NIMROD code [https://nimrodteam.org] is being developed to investigate asymmetry during vertical displacement events. We start from idealized up/down symmetric tokamak equilibria with small levels of imposed toroidally asymmetric field errors. Vertical displacement results when removing current from one of the two divertor coils. The Eulerian reference-frame modeling uses temperature-dependent resistivity and anisotropic thermal conduction to distinguish the hot plasma region from surrounding cold, low-density conditions. Diffusion through a resistive wall is slow relative to Alfvenic scales but much faster than resistive plasma diffusion. Loss of the initial edge pressure and current distributions leads to a narrow layer of parallel current, which drives low-n modes that may be related to peeling-dominated ELMs. These modes induce toroidal asymmetry in the conduction current, which connects the simulated plasma to the wall. Work supported by the US DOE through Grant Numbers DE-FG02-06ER54850 and DE-FC02-08ER54975.

A Resonator for Low-Threshold Frequency Conversion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Iltchenko, Vladimir; Matsko, Andrey; Savchenkov, Anatoliy; Maleki, Lute

2004-01-01

A proposed toroidal or disklike dielectric optical resonator (dielectric optical cavity) would be made of an optically nonlinear material and would be optimized for use in parametric frequency conversion by imposition of a spatially periodic permanent electric polarization. The poling (see figure) would suppress dispersions caused by both the material and the geometry of the optical cavity, thereby effecting quasi-matching of the phases of high-resonance-quality (high-Q) whispering-gallery electromagnetic modes. The quasi-phase-matching of the modes would serve to maximize the interactions among them. Such a resonator might be a prototype of a family of compact, efficient nonlinear devices for operation over a broad range of optical wavelengths. A little background information is prerequisite to a meaningful description of this proposal: (1) Described in several prior NASA Tech Briefs articles, the whispering-gallery modes in a component of spheroidal, disklike, or toroidal shape are waveguide modes that propagate circumferentially and are concentrated in a narrow toroidal region centered on the equatorial plane and located near the outermost edge. (2) For the sake of completeness, it must be stated that even though optical resonators of the type considered here are solid dielectric objects and light is confined within them by total internal reflection at dielectric interfaces without need for mirrors, such components are sometimes traditionally called cavities because their effects upon the light propagating within them are similar to those of true cavities bounded by mirrors. (3) For a given set of electromagnetic modes interacting with each other in an optically nonlinear material (e.g., modes associated with the frequencies involved in a frequency-conversion scheme), the threshold power for oscillation depends on the mode volumes and the mode-overlap integral. (4) Whispering-gallery modes are attractive in nonlinear optics because they maximize the effects of nonlinearities by occupying small volumes and affording high Q values

Nonlinear Decay and Plasma Heating by a Toroidal Alfvén Eigenmode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiu, Z.; Chen, L.; Zonca, F.; Chen, W.

2018-03-01

We demonstrate theoretically that a toroidal Alfvén eigenmode (TAE) can parametrically decay into a geodesic acoustic mode and kinetic TAE in a toroidal plasma. The corresponding threshold condition for the TAE amplitude is estimated to be |δ B⊥/B0|˜O (10-4). Here, δ B⊥ and B0 are, respectively, the perturbed magnetic field of the pump TAE and the equilibrium magnetic field. This novel decay process, in addition to contributing to the nonlinear saturation of energetic-particle or α -particle driven TAE instability, could also contribute to the heating as well as regulating the transports of thermal plasmas.

MHD Studies of Advanced Tokamak Equilibria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strumberger, E.

2005-10-01

Advanced tokamak scenarios are often characterized by an extremely reversed profile of the safety factor, q, and a fast toroidal rotation. ASDEX Upgrade type equilibria with toroidal flow are computed up to a toroidal Mach number of Mta= 0.5, and compared with the static solution. Using these equilibria, the stabilizing effect of differential toroidal rotation on double tearing modes (DTMs) is investigated. These studies show that the computation of equilibria with flow is necessary for toroidally rotating plasma with Mta>=0.2. The use of ρtor instead of ρpol as radial coordinate enables us also to investigate the stability of equilibria with current holes. For numerical reasons, the rotational transform, = 1/q, has to be unequal zero in the CASTOR$FLOW code, but values of a>=0.001 (qa<=1000) can be easily handled. Stability studies of DTMs in the presence of a current hole are presented. Tokamak equilibria are only approximately axisymmetric. The finite number of toroidal field coils destroys the perfect axisymmetry of the device, and the coils produce a short wavelength ripple in the magnetic field strength. This toroidal field ripple plays a crucial role for the loss of high energy particles. Therefore, three-dimensional tokamak equilibria with and without current holes are computed for various plasma beta values. In addition the influence of the plasma beta on the toroidal field ripple is investigated.

Baroclinic Instability in the Solar Tachocline for Continuous Vertical Profiles of Rotation, Effective Gravity, and Toroidal Field

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gilman, Peter A., E-mail: gilman@ucar.edu

We present results from an MHD model for baroclinic instability in the solar tachocline that includes rotation, effective gravity, and toroidal field that vary continuously with height. We solve the perturbation equations using a shooting method. Without toroidal fields but with an effective gravity declining linearly from a maximum at the bottom to much smaller values at the top, we find instability at all latitudes except at the poles, at the equator, and where the vertical rotation gradient vanishes (32.°3) for longitude wavenumbers m from 1 to >10. High latitudes are much more unstable than low latitudes, but both havemore » e -folding times that are much shorter than a sunspot cycle. The higher the m and the steeper the decline in effective gravity, the closer the unstable mode peak to the top boundary, where the energy available to drive instability is greatest. The effect of the toroidal field is always stabilizing, shrinking the latitude ranges of instability as the toroidal field is increased. The larger the toroidal field, the smaller the longitudinal wavenumber of the most unstable disturbance. All latitudes become stable for a toroidal field exceeding about 4 kG. The results imply that baroclinic instability should occur in the tachocline at latitudes where the toroidal field is weak or is changing sign, but not where the field is strong.« less

Simple Procedure to Compute the Inductance of a Toroidal Ferrite Core from the Linear to the Saturation Regions

PubMed Central

Salas, Rosa Ana; Pleite, Jorge

2013-01-01

We propose a specific procedure to compute the inductance of a toroidal ferrite core as a function of the excitation current. The study includes the linear, intermediate and saturation regions. The procedure combines the use of Finite Element Analysis in 2D and experimental measurements. Through the two dimensional (2D) procedure we are able to achieve convergence, a reduction of computational cost and equivalent results to those computed by three dimensional (3D) simulations. The validation is carried out by comparing 2D, 3D and experimental results. PMID:28809283

Observations of reduced electron Gyroscale fluctuations in national spherical torus experiment H-mode plasmas with large ExB flow shear.

PubMed

Smith, D R; Kaye, S M; Lee, W; Mazzucato, E; Park, H K; Bell, R E; Domier, C W; Leblanc, B P; Levinton, F M; Luhmann, N C; Menard, J E; Yuh, H

2009-06-05

Electron gyroscale fluctuation measurements in National Spherical Torus Experiment H-mode plasmas with large toroidal rotation reveal fluctuations consistent with electron temperature gradient (ETG) turbulence. Large toroidal rotation in National Spherical Torus Experiment plasmas with neutral beam injection generates ExB flow shear rates comparable to ETG linear growth rates. Enhanced fluctuations occur when the electron temperature gradient is marginally stable with respect to the ETG linear critical gradient. Fluctuation amplitudes decrease when the ExB flow shear rate exceeds ETG linear growth rates. The observations indicate that ExB flow shear can be an effective suppression mechanism for ETG turbulence.

Tridimensional Thermonuclear Instability in Subignited Plasmas and on the Surface of the Pulsars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cardinali, A.; Coppi, B.

2017-10-01

Tridimensional modes involving an increase of the electron temperature can be excited as a result of alpha-particle heating in subignited D-T fusion burning plasmas when a nearly time- independent external source of heating is applied. The analyzed modes are shown to emerge from an axisymmetric toroidal configurations and are radially localized around rational magnetic surfaces corresponding to q(r =r0) =m0 /n0 where m0 and n0 are the relevant poloidal and toroidal mode numbers. The radial width of the mode is of the order of the thermal scale distance. The mode has a rather severe damping rate, that has to be overcome by the relevant heating rate. Thus the temperature range to be considered is that where the D-T plasma reactivity undergoes a relatively large increase as a function of temperature. This kind of theory has been applied to the plasmas that are envisioned to be associated with surface of pulsar and be subjects to (spatially) inhomogenous thermonuclear burning. Sponsored in part by the U.S. DoE.

Energetic-ion-driven global instabilities in stellarator/helical plasmas and comparison with tokamak plasmas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Toi, K.; Ogawa, K.; Isobe, M.

2011-01-01

Comprehensive understanding of energetic-ion-driven global instabilities such as Alfven eigenmodes (AEs) and their impact on energetic ions and bulk plasma is crucially important for tokamak and stellarator/helical plasmas and in the future for deuterium-tritium (DT) burning plasma experiments. Various types of global modes and their associated enhanced energetic ion transport are commonly observed in toroidal plasmas. Toroidicity-induced AEs and ellipticity-induced AEs, whose gaps are generated through poloidal mode coupling, are observed in both tokamak and stellarator/helical plasmas. Global AEs and reversed shear AEs, where toroidal couplings are not as dominant were also observed in those plasmas. Helicity induced AEs thatmore » exist only in 3D plasmas are observed in the large helical device (LHD) and Wendelstein 7 Advanced Stellarator plasmas. In addition, the geodesic acoustic mode that comes from plasma compressibility is destabilized by energetic ions in both tokamak and LHD plasmas. Nonlinear interaction of these modes and their influence on the confinement of the bulk plasma as well as energetic ions are observed in both plasmas. In this paper, the similarities and differences in these instabilities and their consequences for tokamak and stellarator/helical plasmas are summarized through comparison with the data sets obtained in LHD. In particular, this paper focuses on the differences caused by the rotational transform profile and the 2D or 3D geometrical structure of the plasma equilibrium. Important issues left for future study are listed.« less

Simultaneous feedback control of plasma rotation and stored energy on NSTX-U using neoclassical toroidal viscosity and neutral beam injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goumiri, I. R.; Rowley, C. W.; Sabbagh, S. A.; Gates, D. A.; Boyer, M. D.; Gerhardt, S. P.; Kolemen, E.; Menard, J. E.

2017-05-01

A model-based feedback system is presented enabling the simultaneous control of the stored energy through βn and the toroidal rotation profile of the plasma in National Spherical Torus eXperiment Upgrade device. Actuation is obtained using the momentum from six injected neutral beams and the neoclassical toroidal viscosity generated by applying three-dimensional magnetic fields. Based on a model of the momentum diffusion and torque balance, a feedback controller is designed and tested in closed-loop simulations using TRANSP, a time dependent transport analysis code, in predictive mode. Promising results for the ongoing experimental implementation of controllers are obtained.

Simultaneous feedback control of plasma rotation and stored energy on NSTX-U using neoclassical toroidal viscosity and neutral beam injection

PubMed Central

Goumiri, I. R.; Sabbagh, S. A.; Boyer, M. D.; Gerhardt, S. P.; Kolemen, E.; Menard, J. E.

2017-01-01

A model-based feedback system is presented enabling the simultaneous control of the stored energy through βn and the toroidal rotation profile of the plasma in National Spherical Torus eXperiment Upgrade device. Actuation is obtained using the momentum from six injected neutral beams and the neoclassical toroidal viscosity generated by applying three-dimensional magnetic fields. Based on a model of the momentum diffusion and torque balance, a feedback controller is designed and tested in closed-loop simulations using TRANSP, a time dependent transport analysis code, in predictive mode. Promising results for the ongoing experimental implementation of controllers are obtained. PMID:28435207

Simultaneous feedback control of plasma rotation and stored energy on NSTX-U using neoclassical toroidal viscosity and neutral beam injection

DOE PAGES

Goumiri, I. R.; Rowley, C. W.; Sabbagh, S. A.; ...

2017-02-23

In this study, a model-based feedback system is presented enabling the simultaneous control of the stored energy through β n and the toroidal rotation profile of the plasma in National Spherical Torus eXperiment Upgrade device. Actuation is obtained using the momentum from six injected neutral beams and the neoclassical toroidal viscosity generated by applying three-dimensional magnetic fields. Based on a model of the momentum diffusion and torque balance, a feedback controller is designed and tested in closed-loop simulations using TRANSP, a time dependent transport analysis code, in predictive mode. Promising results for the ongoing experimental implementation of controllers are obtained.

Observations of toroidicity-induced Alfvén eigenmodes in a reversed field pinch plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Regnoli, G.; Bergsâker, H.; Tennfors, E.; Zonca, F.; Martines, E.; Serianni, G.; Spolaore, M.; Vianello, N.; Cecconello, M.; Antoni, V.; Cavazzana, R.; Malmberg, J.-A.

2005-04-01

High frequency peaks in the spectra of magnetic field signals have been detected at the edge of Extrap-T2R [P. R. Brunsell, H. Bergsåker, M. Cecconello, J. R. Drake, R. M. Gravestijn, A. Hedqvist, and J.-A. Malmberg, Plasma Phys. Controlled Fusion, 43, 1457 (2001)]. The measured fluctuation is found to be mainly polarized along the toroidal direction, with high toroidal periodicity n and Alfvénic scaling (f∝B/√mini ). Calculations for a reversed field pinch plasma predict the existence of an edge resonant, high frequency, high-n number toroidicity-induced Alfvén eigenmode with the observed frequency scaling. In addition, gas puffing experiments show that edge density fluctuations are responsible for the rapid changes of mode frequency. Finally a coupling with the electron drift turbulence is proposed as drive mechanism for the eigenmode.

Study of Second Stability for Global ITG Modes in MHD-stable Equilibria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fivaz, Mathieu; Sauter, Olivier; Appert, Kurt; Tran, Trach-Minh; Vaclavik, Jan

1997-11-01

We study finite pressure effects on the Ion Temperature Gradient (ITG) instabilities; these modes are stabilized when the magnetic field gradient is reversed at high β [1]. This second stability regime for ITG modes is studied in details with a global linear gyrokinetic Particle-In-Cell code which takes the full toroidal MHD equilibrium data from the equilibrium solver CHEASE [2]. Both the trapped-ion and the toroidal ITG regimes are explored. In contrast to second stability for MHD ballooning modes, low magnetic shear and high values of the safety factor do not facilitate strongly the access to the second-stable ITG regime. The consequences for anomalous ion heat transport in tokamaks are explored. We use the results to find optimized configurations that are stable to ideal MHD modes for both the long (kink) and short (ballooning) wavelengths and where the ITG modes are stable or have very low growth rates; such configurations might present very low level of anomalous transport. [1] M. Fivaz, T.M. Tran, K. Appert, J. Vaclavik and S. E. Parker, Phys. Rev. Lett. 78, 1997, p. 3471 [2] H. Lütjens, A. Bondeson and O. Sauter, Comput. Phys. Commun. 97, 1996, p. 219

Observation of the seismic anisotropy effects on free oscillations below 4 mHz

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, X.; Liu, L.

2009-12-01

We present observations of significant fundamental spheroidal-toroidal mode coupling at frequencies below 4 mHz in the early part of vertical component records from seismic stations on near-equatorial source-receiver propagation paths and in Antarctica after the 26 December 2004 and 28 March 2005 great Sumatra earthquakes. When seismic surface waves propagate along the equator, the particle motion of Love waves runs parallels to the Earth’s rotation axis, and the particle motion of Rayleigh waves runs perpendicular to it, thus the Coriolis force has no vertical deflection effect on Love waves and no transverse deflection effect on the Rayleigh waves. Coriolis coupling can be naturally minimized at a station on a nearequatorial source-receiver propagation path. In Antarctica, especially near the South Pole, the vertical deflection of toroidial motion is very weak but there are lateral gradients in the anisotropic properties of upper mantle. Therefore, we can find a chance to directly observe seismic anisotropy coupling below 4 mHz without the disturbance of Coriolis coupling at Antarctic station, and at the seismic station locate close to the Earth’s equator when the epicenter also locates close to the equator. Our observations of strong anomalous toroidal-spheroidal coupling at these stations provide direct evidence to confirm the theory that the azimuthal anisotropy has pronounced effects on the quasi-toroidal mode excitations at the frequencies below 4 mHz, which can convince the skeptics that anisotropy really is visible in the low-frequency normal mode data. Strong anisotropic coupling is usually observed at stations having the geometric nodes for the spheroidal fundamentals, giving the association of quasi-toroidal excitation with the geometric effect. The presence of significant anisotropy coupling below 4 mHz depends not only on anisotropic depth, anisotropic identities and orientations but also on radiation nodes for Rayleigh waves and geometry nodes for spheroidal fundamentals. The quasi-toroidal modes below 4 mHz have significant sensitivity throughout most of the mantle, extending into the lower mantle, and therefore, it is likely that the resolution of locating the depth of origin of azimuthal anisotropy in the mantle will be improved by joint inversions that take advantage of the partly complementary depth resolution of anisotropy coupling measurements, quasi-Love surface-wave measurements, body wave splitting measurements and surface-wave dispersion measurements.

HOW CAN NEWLY BORN RAPIDLY ROTATING NEUTRON STARS BECOME MAGNETARS?

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cheng, Quan; Yu, Yun-Wei, E-mail: yuyw@mail.ccnu.edu.cn

2014-05-10

In a newly born (high-temperature and Keplerian rotating) neutron star, r-mode instability can lead to stellar differential rotation, which winds the seed poloidal magnetic field (∼10{sup 11} G) to generate an ultra-high (∼10{sup 17} G) toroidal field component. Subsequently, by succumbing to the Tayler instability, the toroidal field could be partially transformed into a new poloidal field. Through such dynamo processes, the newly born neutron star with sufficiently rapid rotation could become a magnetar on a timescale of ∼10{sup 2} {sup –} {sup 3} s, with a surface dipolar magnetic field of ∼10{sup 15} G. Accompanying the field amplification, the star could spinmore » down to a period of ∼5 ms through gravitational wave radiation due to the r-mode instability and, in particular, the non-axisymmetric stellar deformation caused by the toroidal field. This scenario provides a possible explanation for why the remnant neutron stars formed in gamma-ray bursts and superluminous supernovae could be millisecond magnetars.« less

A conservative scheme of drift kinetic electrons for gyrokinetic simulation of kinetic-MHD processes in toroidal plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bao, J.; Liu, D.; Lin, Z.

2017-10-01

A conservative scheme of drift kinetic electrons for gyrokinetic simulations of kinetic-magnetohydrodynamic processes in toroidal plasmas has been formulated and verified. Both vector potential and electron perturbed distribution function are decomposed into adiabatic part with analytic solution and non-adiabatic part solved numerically. The adiabatic parallel electric field is solved directly from the electron adiabatic response, resulting in a high degree of accuracy. The consistency between electrostatic potential and parallel vector potential is enforced by using the electron continuity equation. Since particles are only used to calculate the non-adiabatic response, which is used to calculate the non-adiabatic vector potential through Ohm's law, the conservative scheme minimizes the electron particle noise and mitigates the cancellation problem. Linear dispersion relations of the kinetic Alfvén wave and the collisionless tearing mode in cylindrical geometry have been verified in gyrokinetic toroidal code simulations, which show that the perpendicular grid size can be larger than the electron collisionless skin depth when the mode wavelength is longer than the electron skin depth.

Brillouin lasing in coupled silica toroid microcavities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Honda, Yoshihiro; Yoshiki, Wataru; Tetsumoto, Tomohiro; Fujii, Shun; Furusawa, Kentaro; Sekine, Norihiko; Tanabe, Takasumi

2018-05-01

We demonstrate stimulated Brillouin scattering lasing in a strongly coupled microcavity system. By coupling two silica toroid microcavities, we achieve large mode splitting of 11 GHz, whose frequency separation matches the Brillouin frequency shift of silica. The stimulated Brillouin scattering light is resonantly amplified by pumping at the higher frequency side of the supermode splitting resonance. Since the mode splitting is adjusted by changing the gap distance between the two cavities, our system does not require precise control of a mm-sized cavity diameter to match the free-spectral spacing with the Brillouin frequency shift. It also allows us to use a small cavity, and hence, our system has the potential to achieve the lasing threshold at a very low power.

Enhanced understanding of the MHD dynamics and ELM control experiments in KSTAR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Hyeon K.

2013-10-01

In KSTAR, H-mode discharges have been achieved reliably at toroidal fields from 1.4 to 3.5 T with a heating power of ~ 5 MW. Using real-time plasma shape control the flattop time in H-mode has been extended to over ~ 16 s at 600 kA in the 2012 campaign and the extended plasma operation boundary has surpassed the n = 1 no-wall limit with βN /li up to 4.1. In order to achieve a high beta steady state operation in KSTAR, establishment of predictive MHD simulation and first-principle-based control of the harmful MHD are the first steps. Visualization of MHD dynamics via a 2-D Electron Cyclotron Emission Imaging (ECEI) has significantly enhanced the level of understanding of the MHD dynamics. Following the first 2-D ELM measurements in H-mode plasmas in KSTAR the measured 2-D ELM images were compared with synthetic images from the BOUT + + code. The physics of ELMs is characterized based on a wide range of measured mode numbers (n, m) local magnetic shear and pressure gradients. The observed ELM dynamics during control experiments have been enlightening and consistent with the stability models. Near the q ~ 2 surface, the island width and Δ' of the m = 2 tearing mode have been verified through the modified Rutherford model based on the 2-D images. With the aid of a second (toroidally separated) ECEI system installed in the 2012 KSTAR campaign, a 3-D reconstruction of the MHD instabilities has allowed further validation of the computed magnetic field pitch angles, rotation speeds, and toroidal asymmetries of the MHDs Work supported by NRF of Korea under contract No. 20120005920 and the U.S. DoE under contract No. DE-FG-02-99ER54531.

Error field detection in DIII-D by magnetic steering of locked modes

DOE PAGES

Shiraki, Daisuke; La Haye, Robert J.; Logan, Nikolas C.; ...

2014-02-20

Optimal correction coil currents for the n = 1 intrinsic error field of the DIII-D tokamak are inferred by applying a rotating external magnetic perturbation to steer the phase of a saturated locked mode with poloidal/toroidal mode number m/n = 2/1. The error field is detected non-disruptively in a single discharge, based on the toroidal torque balance of the resonant surface, which is assumed to be dominated by the balance of resonant electromagnetic torques. This is equivalent to the island being locked at all times to the resonant 2/1 component of the total of the applied and intrinsic error fields,more » such that the deviation of the locked mode phase from the applied field phase depends on the existing error field. The optimal set of correction coil currents is determined to be those currents which best cancels the torque from the error field, based on fitting of the torque balance model. The toroidal electromagnetic torques are calculated from experimental data using a simplified approach incorporating realistic DIII-D geometry, and including the effect of the plasma response on island torque balance based on the ideal plasma response to external fields. This method of error field detection is demonstrated in DIII-D discharges, and the results are compared with those based on the onset of low-density locked modes in ohmic plasmas. Furthermore, this magnetic steering technique presents an efficient approach to error field detection and is a promising method for ITER, particularly during initial operation when the lack of auxiliary heating systems makes established techniques based on rotation or plasma amplification unsuitable.« less

Automated Identification of MHD Mode Bifurcation and Locking in Tokamaks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riquezes, J. D.; Sabbagh, S. A.; Park, Y. S.; Bell, R. E.; Morton, L. A.

2017-10-01

Disruption avoidance is critical in reactor-scale tokamaks such as ITER to maintain steady plasma operation and avoid damage to device components. A key physical event chain that leads to disruptions is the appearance of rotating MHD modes, their slowing by resonant field drag mechanisms, and their locking. An algorithm has been developed that automatically detects bifurcation of the mode toroidal rotation frequency due to loss of torque balance under resonant braking, and mode locking for a set of shots using spectral decomposition. The present research examines data from NSTX, NSTX-U and KSTAR plasmas which differ significantly in aspect ratio (ranging from A = 1.3 - 3.5). The research aims to examine and compare the effectiveness of different algorithms for toroidal mode number discrimination, such as phase matching and singular value decomposition approaches, and to examine potential differences related to machine aspect ratio (e.g. mode eigenfunction shape variation). Simple theoretical models will be compared to the dynamics found. Main goals are to detect or potentially forecast the event chain early during a discharge. This would serve as a cue to engage active mode control or a controlled plasma shutdown. Supported by US DOE Contracts DE-SC0016614 and DE-AC02-09CH11466.

Mode control using two electrodes on HBT-EP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stewart, I. G.; Brooks, J. W.; Levesque, J. P.; Mauel, M. E.; Navratil, G. A.

2017-10-01

Understanding the effects of plasma rotation on magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) modes and tokamak plasma stability is important for performance enhancement of current magnetic confinement experiments and to future fusion devices such as ITER. In order to control plasma rotation, two molybdenum electrodes have been installed on HBT-EP toroidally separated by 144 degrees. This allows independent biasing of the two probes both spatially and temporally. When the bias probes are inserted into the edge of the plasma and a voltage is applied, the probes drive radial currents and produce plasma flow from the torque induced by the currents. If the bias probe voltage is sufficiently positive, the MHD mode rotation transitions into a state with a rapid mode rotation frequency (in excess of 25 kHz) in the direction opposite to mode rotation without bias. The transition into this reversed rotation state occurs when the torque exceeds a threshold, which can depend upon the phase of an applied n = 1 error field. We present recent studies of the two-electrode system on mode rotation, mode stability, and the toroidal symmetry of the radial current through the scrape-off-layer (SOL) during MHD activity and applied magnetic perturbations. Supported by U.S. DOE Grant DE-FG02-86ER53222.

Modeling the excitation of global Alfven modes by an external antenna in the Joint European Torus (JET)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Huysmans, G.T.A.; Kerner, W.; Borba, D.

1995-05-01

The active excitation of global Alfven modes using the saddle coils in the Joint European Torus (JET) [{ital Plasma} {ital Physics} {ital and} {ital Controlled} {ital Nuclear} {ital Fusion} {ital Research} 1984, Proceedings of the 10th International Conference, London (International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, 1985), Vol. 1, p. 11] as the external antenna, will provide information on the damping of global modes without the need to drive the modes unstable. For the modeling of the Alfven mode excitation, the toroidal resistive magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) code CASTOR (Complex Alfven Spectrum in TORoidal geometry) [18{ital th} {ital EPS} {ital Conference} {ital On} {italmore » Controlled} {ital Fusion} {ital and} {ital Plasma} {ital Physics}, Berlin, 1991, edited by P. Bachmann and D. C. Robinson (The European Physical Society, Petit-Lancy, 1991), Vol. 15, Part IV, p. 89] has been extended to calculate the response to an external antenna. The excitation of a high-performance, high beta JET discharge is studied numerically. In particular, the influence of a finite pressure is investigated. Weakly damped low-{ital n} global modes do exist in the gaps in the continuous spectrum at high beta. A pressure-driven global mode is found due to the interaction of Alfven and slow modes. Its frequency scales solely with the plasma temperature, not like a pure Alfven mode with a density and magnetic field.« less

Local properties of magnetic reconnection in nonlinear resistive- and extended-magnetohydrodynamic toroidal simulations of the sawtooth crash

DOE PAGES

Beidler, M. T.; Cassak, P. A.; Jardin, S. C.; ...

2016-12-15

We diagnose local properties of magnetic reconnection during a sawtooth crash employing the three-dimensional toroidal, extended-magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) code M3D-C 1. To do so, we sample simulation data in the plane in which reconnection occurs, the plane perpendicular to the helical (m, n) = (1, 1) mode at the q = 1 surface, where m and n are the poloidal and toroidal mode numbers and q is the safety factor. We study the nonlinear evolution of a particular test equilibrium in a non-reduced field representation using both resistive-MHD and extended-MHD models. We find growth rates for the extended-MHD reconnection process exhibitmore » a nonlinear acceleration and greatly exceed that of the resistive-MHD model, as is expected from previous experimental, theoretical, and computational work. We compare the properties of reconnection in the two simulations, revealing the reconnecting current sheets are locally different in the two models and we present the first observation of the quadrupole out-of-plane Hall magnetic field that appears during extended-MHD reconnection in a 3D toroidal simulation (but not in resistive-MHD). We also explore the dependence on toroidal angle of the properties of reconnection as viewed in the plane perpendicular to the helical magnetic field, finding qualitative and quantitative effects due to changes in the symmetry of the reconnection process. Furthermore, this study is potentially important for a wide range of magnetically confined fusion applications, from confirming simulations with extended-MHD effects are sufficiently resolved to describe reconnection, to quantifying local reconnection rates for purposes of understanding and predicting transport, not only at the q = 1 rational surface for sawteeth, but also at higher order rational surfaces that play a role in disruptions and edge-confinement degradation.« less

Fluctuations and differential contraction during regeneration of Hydra vulgaris tissue toroids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krahe, Michael; Wenzel, Iris; Lin, Kao-Nung; Fischer, Julia; Goldmann, Joseph; Kästner, Markus; Fütterer, Claus

2013-03-01

We studied regenerating bilayered tissue toroids dissected from Hydra vulgaris polyps and relate our macroscopic observations to the dynamics of force-generating mesoscopic cytoskeletal structures. Tissue fragments undergo a specific toroid-spheroid folding process leading to complete regeneration towards a new organism. The time scale of folding is too fast for biochemical signalling or morphogenetic gradients, which forced us to assume purely mechanical self-organization. The initial pattern selection dynamics was studied by embedding toroids into hydro-gels, allowing us to observe the deformation modes over longer periods of time. We found increasing mechanical fluctuations which break the toroidal symmetry, and discuss the evolution of their power spectra for various gel stiffnesses. Our observations are related to single-cell studies which explain the mechanical feasibility of the folding process. In addition, we observed switching of cells from a tissue bound to a migrating state after folding failure as well as in tissue injury. We found a supra-cellular actin ring assembled along the toroid's inner edge. Its contraction can lead to the observed folding dynamics as we could confirm by finite element simulations. This actin ring in the inner cell layer is assembled by myosin-driven length fluctuations of supra-cellular F-actin bundles (myonemes) in the outer cell layer. This paper is dedicated to Malcolm Steinberg.

Stability and dynamics of the edge pedestal in the low collisionality regime: physics mechanisms for steady-state ELM-free operation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Snyder, P. B.; Burrell, K. H.; Wilson, H. R.; Chu, M. S.; Fenstermacher, M. E.; Leonard, A. W.; Moyer, R. A.; Osborne, T. H.; Umansky, M.; West, W. P.; Xu, X. Q.

2007-08-01

Understanding the physics of the edge pedestal and edge localized modes (ELMs) is of great importance for ITER and the optimization of the tokamak concept. The peeling-ballooning model has quantitatively explained many observations, including ELM onset and pedestal constraints, in the standard H-mode regime. The ELITE code has been developed to efficiently evaluate peeling-ballooning stability for comparison with observation and predictions for future devices. We briefly review recent progress in the peeling-ballooning model, including experimental validation of ELM onset and pedestal height predictions, and nonlinear 3D simulations of ELM dynamics, which together lead to an emerging understanding of the physics of the onset and dynamics of ELMs in the standard intermediate to high collisionality regime. We also discuss new studies of the apparent power dependence of the pedestal, and studies of the impact of sheared toroidal flow. Recently, highly promising low collisionality regimes without ELMs have been discovered, including the quiescent H-mode (QH) and resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP) regimes. We present recent observations from the DIII-D tokamak of the density, shape and rotation dependence of QH discharges, and studies of the peeling-ballooning stability in this regime. We propose a model of the QH-mode in which the observed edge harmonic oscillation (EHO) is a saturated kink/peeling mode which is destabilized by current and rotation, and drives significant transport, allowing a near steady-state edge plasma. The model quantitatively predicts the observed density dependence and qualitatively predicts observed mode structure, rotation dependence and outer gap dependence. Low density RMP discharges are found to operate in a similar regime, but with the EHO replaced by an applied magnetic perturbation.

Electromagnetic Torque in Tokamaks with Toroidal Asymmetries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Logan, Nikolas Christopher

Toroidal rotation and rotation shear strongly influences stability and confinement in tokamaks. Breaking of the toroidal symmetry by fields orders of magnitude smaller than the axisymmetric field can, however, produce electromagnetic torques that significantly affect the plasma rotation, stability and confinement. These electromagnetic torques are the study of this thesis. There are two typical types of electromagnetic torques in tokamaks: 1) "resonant torques" for which a plasma current defined by a single toroidal and single poloidal harmonic interact with external currents and 2) "nonresonant torques" for which the global plasma response to nonaxisymmetric fields is phase shifted by kinetic effects that drive the rotation towards a neoclassical offset. This work describes the diagnostics and analysis necessary to evaluate the torque by measuring the rate of momentum transfer per unit area in the vacuum region between the plasma and external currents using localized magnetic sensors to measure the Maxwell stress. These measurements provide model independent quantification of both the resonant and nonresonant electromagnetic torques, enabling direct verification of theoretical models. Measured values of the nonresonant torque are shown to agree well with the perturbed equilibrium nonambipolar transport (PENT) code calculation of torque from cross field transport in nonaxisymmetric equilibria. A combined neoclassical toroidal viscosity (NTV) theory, valid across a wide range of kinetic regimes, is fully implemented for the first time in general aspect ratio and shaped plasmas. The code captures pitch angle resonances, reproducing previously inaccessible collisionality limits in the model. The complete treatment of the model enables benchmarking to the hybrid kinetic MHD stability codes MARS-K and MISK, confirming the energy-torque equivalency principle in perturbed equilibria. Experimental validations of PENT results confirm the torque applied by nonaxisymmetric coils is often proportional to the energy put into the dominant ideal MHD kink mode. This reduces the control of nonresonant torque to a single mode model, enabling efficient feed forward optimization of applied fields. Initial results including the anisotropic kinetic pressure tensor directly in the plasma eigenmode calculations are presented here, and may eventually provide accurate metrics for multimodal coupling similar to the established single mode metrics.

Integrable perturbed magnetic fields in toroidal geometry: An exact analytical flux surface label for large aspect ratio

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kallinikos, N.; Isliker, H.; Vlahos, L.; Meletlidou, E.

2014-06-01

An analytical description of magnetic islands is presented for the typical case of a single perturbation mode introduced to tokamak plasma equilibrium in the large aspect ratio approximation. Following the Hamiltonian structure directly in terms of toroidal coordinates, the well known integrability of this system is exploited, laying out a precise and practical way for determining the island topology features, as required in various applications, through an analytical and exact flux surface label.

An inverse method using toroidal mode data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Willis, C.

1986-01-01

The author presents a numerical method for calculating the density and S-wave velocity in the upper mantle of a spherically symmetric, non-rotating Earth which consists of a perfect elastic, isotropic material. The data comes from the periods of the toroidal oscillations. She tests the method on a smoothed version of model A. The error in the reconstruction is less than 1%. The effects of perturbations in the eigenvalues are studied and she finds that the final model is sensitive to errors in the data.

On the ρ ∗ scaling of intrinsic rotation in C-Mod plasmas with edge transport barriers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rice, J. E.; Hughes, J. W.; Diamond, P. H.; Cao, N.; Chilenski, M. A.; Hubbard, A. E.; Irby, J. H.; Kosuga, Y.; Lin, Y.; Metcalf, I. W.; Reinke, M. L.; Tolman, E. A.; Victora, M. M.; Wolfe, S. M.; Wukitch, S. J.

2017-11-01

Changes in the core intrinsic toroidal rotation velocity following L- to H- and L- to I-mode transitions have been investigated in Alcator C-Mod tokamak plasmas. The magnitude of the co-current rotation increments is found to increase with the pedestal temperature gradient and q95 , and to decrease with toroidal magnetic field. These results are captured quantitatively by a model of fluctuation entropy balance which gives the Mach number Mi \\cong ρ _*/2 L_s/LT ∼ \

Integrable perturbed magnetic fields in toroidal geometry: An exact analytical flux surface label for large aspect ratio

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kallinikos, N.; Isliker, H.; Vlahos, L.

2014-06-15

An analytical description of magnetic islands is presented for the typical case of a single perturbation mode introduced to tokamak plasma equilibrium in the large aspect ratio approximation. Following the Hamiltonian structure directly in terms of toroidal coordinates, the well known integrability of this system is exploited, laying out a precise and practical way for determining the island topology features, as required in various applications, through an analytical and exact flux surface label.

A synopsis of collective alpha effects and implications for ITER

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sigmar, D.J.

1990-10-01

This paper discusses the following: Alpha Interaction with Toroidal Alfven Eigenmodes; Alpha Interaction with Ballooning Modes; Alpha Interaction with Fishbone Oscillations; and Implications for ITER.

Plasma Rotation and Radial Electric Field Response to Resonant Magnetic Perturbations in DIII-D

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moyer, R. A.

2012-10-01

Analysis of DIII-D experiments have revealed a complex picture of the evolution of the toroidal rotation vtor and radial electric field Er when applying edge resonant magnetic perturbations (RMPs) in H-mode plasmas. Measurements indicate that RMPs induce changes to the plasma rotation and Er across the plasma profile, well into the plasma core where islands or stochasticity are not expected. In the pedestal, the change in Er comes primarily from the vxB changes even though the ion diamagnetic contribution to Er is larger. This allows the RMP to change Er faster than the transport timescale for altering the pressure gradient. For n=3 RMPs, the pedestal vtor goes to zero as fast as the RMP current rises, suggesting increased toroidal viscosity with the RMP, followed by a slow rise in co-plasma current vtor (pedestal ``spin-up'') as the pedestal density pumps out. This spin-up could result from a reduction in ELM-induced momentum transport or a resonant jxB torque due to radial current. As vtor becomes more positive and the pressure pedestal narrows, the electron perpendicular rotation ˜0 point moves out toward the top of the pedestal; increasing the RMP current moves this crossing point closer to the top of the pedestal. These changes reduce the mean ExB shearing rate across the outer half of the discharge from several times the linear growth rate for intermediate-scale turbulence to less than the linear growth rate, consistent with increased turbulent transport. Full-f kinetic simulations with self-consistent plasma response and Er using the XGC0 code have qualitatively reproduced the observed profile and Er changes. These results suggest that similar to their role in regulating H-mode plasma transport and stability, plasma rotation and Er play a critical role in the effect of RMPs on plasma performance.

Effect of toroidal rotation on resistive magnetohydrodynamic instability with a nonmonotonic q profile in cylindrical geometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, J. Q.; Peng, X. D.

2018-04-01

The effect of plasma rotation on the linear stability of the resistive magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) instabilities with a nonmonotonic q profile is investigated numerically in the cylindrical geometry. The results have shown that the plasma rotation has a stabilization effect on the double tearing modes (DTMs) depending on the magnitude of the velocity, while the velocity shear has a relatively weak effect. The effect of rotation on DTMs is determined by the velocity at each rational surface. A toroidal velocity imposed on the innermost rational surface has a weak effect on m > 1 DTMs. When the velocity is imposed on the outboard resonant surface, the growth rates of the DTMs are reduced for m > 1 modes; however, it has an obvious destabilizing effect on both m = 1 (with m the poloidal mode number) DTM and single tearing mode branches if the distance between the two rational surfaces is sufficiently small. It is shown that the effect of plasma rotation on the growth rates of the MHD instabilities is in phase with the integrated value of the coupling between potential fluctuation and magnetic flux perturbation.

Tridimensional Thermonuclear Instability in Subignited Plasmas and on the Surface of the Pulsars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cardinali, A.; Coppi, B.

2016-10-01

Tridimensional modes involving an increase of the electron temperature can be excited as a result of α-particle heating in subignited D-T fusion burning plasmas when a nearly time- independent external source of heating is applied. The analyzed modes are shown to emerge from an axisymmetric toroidal configurations and are radially localized around rational magnetic surfaces corresponding to q(r =r0) =m0 /n0 where m0 and n0 are the relevant poloidal and toroidal mode numbers. The radial width of the mode is of the order of the thermal scale distances δT =D⊥e th /D∥e th 1/4 (R0 /n0) 1/2(dlnq/dr)0-1/2. The mode has a rather severe damping rate, that has to be overcome by the relevant heating rate. Thus the temperature range to be considered is that where the D-T plasma reactivity undergoes a relatively large increase as a function of temperature. This kind of theory has been applied to the plasmas that are envisioned to be associated with surface of pulsar and be subjects to (spatially) inhomogenous thermonuclear burning. Sponsored in part by the US DOE.

Ballooning instabilities in tokamaks with sheared toroidal flows

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Waelbroeck, F.L.; Chen, L.

1990-11-01

The stability of ballooning modes in the presence of sheared toroidal flows is investigated. The eigenmodes are shown to be related by a Fourier transformation to the non-exponentially growing Floquet solutions found by Cooper. It is further shown that the problem cannot be reduced further than to a two dimensional partial differential equation. Next, the generalized ballooning equation is solved analytically for a circular tokamak equilibrium with sonic flows, but with a small rotation shear compared to the sound speed. With this ordering, the centrifugal forces are comparable to the pressure gradient forces driving the instability, but coupling of themore » mode with the sound wave is avoided. A new stability criterion is derived which explicitly demonstrates that flow shear is stabilizing at constant centrifugal force gradient. 34 refs.« less

Cleaning procedure for improved photothermal background of toroidal optical microresonators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horak, Erik H.; Knapper, Kassandra A.; Heylman, Kevin D.; Goldsmith, Randall H.

2016-09-01

High Q-factors and small mode volumes have made toroidal optical microresonators exquisite sensors to small shifts in the effective refractive index of the WGM modes. Eliminating contaminants and improving quality factors is key for many different sensing techniques, and is particularly important for photothermal imaging as contaminants add photothermal background obscuring objects of interest. Several different cleaning procedures including wet- and dry-chemical procedures are tested for their effect on Q-factors and photothermal background. RCA cleaning was shown to be successful in contrast to previously described acid cleaning procedures, most likely due to the different surface reactivity of the acid reagents used. UV-ozone cleaning was shown to be vastly superior to O2 plasma cleaning procedures, significantly reducing the photothermal background of the resonator.

Verification of long wavelength electromagnetic modes with a gyrokinetic-fluid hybrid model in the XGC code

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hager, Robert; Lang, Jianying; Chang, C. S.

As an alternative option to kinetic electrons, the gyrokinetic total-f particle-in-cell (PIC) code XGC1 has been extended to the MHD/fluid type electromagnetic regime by combining gyrokinetic PIC ions with massless drift-fluid electrons. Here, two representative long wavelength modes, shear Alfven waves and resistive tearing modes, are verified in cylindrical and toroidal magnetic field geometries.

Verification of long wavelength electromagnetic modes with a gyrokinetic-fluid hybrid model in the XGC code

DOE PAGES

Hager, Robert; Lang, Jianying; Chang, C. S.; ...

2017-05-24

As an alternative option to kinetic electrons, the gyrokinetic total-f particle-in-cell (PIC) code XGC1 has been extended to the MHD/fluid type electromagnetic regime by combining gyrokinetic PIC ions with massless drift-fluid electrons. Here, two representative long wavelength modes, shear Alfven waves and resistive tearing modes, are verified in cylindrical and toroidal magnetic field geometries.

Hydrodynamic mode associated with the pinch flow in RFP simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delzanno, Gian Luca; Chacon, Luis; Finn, John

2007-11-01

We present a systematic study of single helicity (SH) states and quasi-single helicity (QSH) states in RFPs. We begin with cylindrical paramagnetic pinch equilibria with uniform resistivity, characterized by a single dimensionless parameter proportional to the toroidal electric field, or the RFP toroidal current parameter θ. For sufficiently high θ, there are several unstable m=1 ideal MHD instabilities, typically one of which is nonresonant, with 1/n just above q(r=0). We evolve these modes nonlinearly to saturation for low Hartmann number H. We show the existence of a new class of unstable modes [1], besides the electromagnetic kink modes typically responsible for the reversal of the axial magnetic field at the edge in RFPs. This new instability is hydrodynamic in nature and is due to the inward equilibrium pinch flow and suitable boundary conditions. In these circumstances, the total angular momentum of the system must grow in response to the flux of particles coming from the boundary. The hydrodynamic mode dominates the nonlinear phase of the velocity field but has little effect on the dynamics of the magnetic field. [1] G.L. Delzanno, L. Chac'on, J.M. Finn, Hydrodynamic mode associated with the pinch flow in Reversed Field Pinch simulations, submitted (2007).

Turbulent particle transport as a function of toroidal rotation in DIII-D H-mode plasmas

DOE PAGES

Wang, Xin; Mordijck, Saskia; Zeng, Lei; ...

2016-03-01

In this paper we show how changes in toroidal rotation, by controlling the injected torque, affect particle transport and confinement. The toroidal rotation is altered using the co- and counter neutral beam injection (NBI) in low collisionality H-mode plasmas on DIII-D with dominant electron cyclotron heating (ECH). We find that there is no correlation between the toroidal rotation shear and the inverse density gradient, which is observed on AUG whenmore » $${{T}_{\\text{e}}}/{{T}_{\\text{i}}}$$ is varied using ECH (Angioni et al 2011 Phys. Rev. Lett. 107 215003). In DIII-D, we find that in a discharge with balanced torque injection, the $$E\\times B$$ shear is smaller than the linear gyrokinetic growth rate for small $${{k}_{\\theta}}{{\\rho}_{s}}$$ for $$\\rho =0.6$$ –0.85. This results in lower particle confinement. In the co- and counter- injected discharges the $$E\\times B$$ shear is larger or close to the linear growth rate at the plasma edge and both configurations have higher particle confinement. In order to measure particle transport, we use a small periodic perturbative gas puff. This gas puff perturbs the density profiles and allows us to extract the perturbed diffusion and inward pinch coefficients. We observe a strong increase in the inward particle pinch in the counter-torque injected plasma. Lastly, the calculated quasi-linear particle flux, nor the linear growth rates using TGLF agree with experimental observations.« less

Model for toroidal velocity in H-mode plasmas in the presence of internal transport barriers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chatthong, B.; Onjun, T.; Singhsomroje, W.

2010-06-01

A model for predicting toroidal velocity in H-mode plasmas in the presence of internal transport barriers (ITBs) is developed using an empirical approach. In this model, it is assumed that the toroidal velocity is directly proportional to the local ion temperature. This model is implemented in the BALDUR integrated predictive modelling code so that simulations of ITB plasmas can be carried out self-consistently. In these simulations, a combination of a semi-empirical mixed Bohm/gyro-Bohm (mixed B/gB) core transport model that includes ITB effects and NCLASS neoclassical transport is used to compute a core transport. The boundary is taken to be at the top of the pedestal, where the pedestal values are described using a theory-based pedestal model based on a combination of magnetic and flow shear stabilization pedestal width scaling and an infinite-n ballooning pressure gradient model. The combination of the mixed B/gB core transport model with ITB effects, together with the pedestal and the toroidal velocity models, is used to simulate the time evolution of plasma current, temperature and density profiles of 10 JET optimized shear discharges. It is found that the simulations can reproduce an ITB formation in these discharges. Statistical analyses including root mean square error (RMSE) and offset are used to quantify the agreement. It is found that the averaged RMSE and offset among these discharges are about 24.59% and -0.14%, respectively.

Transverse Cascade and Sustenance of Turbulence in Keplerian Disks with an Azimuthal Magnetic Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gogichaishvili, D.; Mamatsashvili, G.; Horton, W.; Chagelishvili, G.; Bodo, G.

2017-10-01

The magnetorotational instability (MRI) in the sheared rotational Keplerian explains fundamental problems for both astrophysics and toroidal laboratory plasmas. The turbulence occurs before the threshold for the linear eigen modes. The work shows the turbulence occurs in nonzero toroidal magnetic field with a sheared toroidal flow velocity. We analyze the turbulence in Fourier k-space and x-space each time step to clarify the nonlinear energy-momentum transfers that produce the sustenance in the linearly stable plasma. The nonlinear process is a type 3D angular redistribution of modes in Fourier space - a transverse cascade - rather than the direct/inverse cascades. The turbulence is sustained an interplay of the linear transient growth from the radial gradient of the toroidal velocity (which is the only energy supply for the turbulence) and the transverse cascade. There is a relatively small ``vital area in Fourier space'' is crucial for the sustenance. Outside the vital area the direct cascade dominates. The interplay of the linear and nonlinear processes is generally too intertwined in k-space for a classical turbulence characterization. Subcycles occur from the interactions that maintain self-organization nonlinear turbulence. The spectral characteristics in four simulations are similar showing the universality of the sustenance mechanism of the shear flow driven MHDs-turbulence. Funded by the US Department of Energy under Grant DE-FG02-04ER54742 and the Space and Geophysics Laboratory at the University of Texas at Austin. G. Mamatsashvili is supported by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany.

Interaction of rotating helical magnetic field with the HIST spherical torus plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kikuchi, Yusuke; Sugahara, Masato; Yamada, Satoshi; Yoshikawa, Tatsuya; Fukumoto, Naoyuki; Nagata, Masayoshi

2006-10-01

The physical mechanism of current drive by co-axial helicity injection (CHI) has been experimentally investigated on both spheromak and spherical torus (ST) configurations on the HIST device [1]. It has been observed that the n = 1 kink mode rotates toroidally with a frequency of 10-20 kHz in the ExB direction. It seems that the induced toroidal current by CHI strongly relates with the observed rotating kink mode. On the other hand, it is well known that MHD instabilities can be controlled or even suppressed by an externally applied helical magnetic field in tokamak devices. Therefore, we have started to install two sets of external helical coils in order to produce a rotating helical magnetic field on HIST. Mode structures of the generated rotating helical magnetic field and preliminary experimental results of the interaction of the rotating helical magnetic field with the HIST plasmas will be shown in the conference. [1] M. Nagata, et al., Physics of Plasmas 10, 2932 (2003)

Dimensionless size scaling of intrinsic rotation in DIII-D

DOE PAGES

deGrassie, John S.; Solomon, Wayne M.; Rice, J. E.; ...

2016-08-01

A dimensionless empirical scaling for intrinsic toroidal rotation is given; M A ~β Nρ*, where M A is the toroidal velocity divided by the Alfvén velocity, β N the usual normalized β value, and ρ* is the ion gyroradius divided by the minor radius. This scaling describes well experimental data from DIII-D, and also some published data from C-Mod and JET. The velocity used in this scaling is in an outer location in minor radius, outside of the interior core and inside of the large gradient edge region in H-mode conditions. Furthermore, this scaling establishes the basic magnitude of themore » intrinsic toroidal rotation and its relation to the rich variety of rotation profiles that can be realized for intrinsic conditions is discussed.« less

Interpretation of rotation and momentum transport in the DIII-D edge plasma and comparison with neoclassical theory

DOE PAGES

Stacey, Weston M.; Grierson, Brian A.

2014-05-08

Here, a low-confinement mode discharge which optimizes the capability of the new main-ion chargeexchange-recombination spectroscopy system on DIII-D to measure deuterium toroidal velocity is interpretted in comparison with the predictions of neoclassical theory, with an emphasis on the plasma edge region. The observed peaking in the deuterium toroidal velocity near the separatrix is shown to be consistent with intrinsic co-rotation due to ion orbit loss. In general, the standard neoclassical toroidal and poloidal momentum transport rates are found to be smaller than those inferred from experiment, but a comparison has not yet been made with the more recent extended neoclassicalmore » theory that calculates the effects of poloidal asymmetries using an elongated flux surface representation.« less

Simulation of Non-resonant Internal Kink Mode with Toroidal Rotation in NSTX

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fu, Guoyong

2013-07-16

Plasmas in spherical and conventional tokamaks, with weakly reversed shear q pro le and minimum q above but close to unity, are susceptible to an non-resonant (m, n ) = (1, 1) internal kink mode. This mode can saturate and persist and can induce a (2; 1) seed island for Neoclassical Tearing Mode (NTMs)1 . The mode can also lead to large energetic particle transport and signi cant broadening of beam-driven current. Motivated by these important e ects, we have carried out extensive nonlinear simulations of the mode with nite toroidal rotation using parameters and pro les of an NTSXmore » plasma with a weakly reversed shear pro le. The numerical results show that, at the experimental level, plasma rotation has little e ect on either equilibrium or linear stability. However, rotation can signi cantly inuence the nonlinear dynamics of the (1, 1) mode and the the induced (2, 1) magnetic island. The simulation results show that a rotating helical equilibrium is formed and maintained in the nonlinear phase at nite plasma rotation. In contrast, for non-rotating cases, the nonlinear evolution exhibits dynamic oscillations between a quasi-2D state and a helical state. Furthermore, the e ects of rotation are found to greatly suppress the (2, 1) magnetic island even at a low level.« less

Extreme sensitive metasensor for targeted biomarkers identification using colloidal nanoparticles-integrated plasmonic unit cells

PubMed Central

Ahmadivand, Arash; Gerislioglu, Burak; Tomitaka, Asahi; Manickam, Pandiaraj; Kaushik, Ajeet; Bhansali, Shekhar; Nair, Madhavan; Pala, Nezih

2018-01-01

Engineered terahertz (THz) plasmonic metamaterials have emerged as promising platforms for quick infection diagnosis, cost-effective and real-time pharmacology applications owing to their non-destructive and harmless interaction with biological tissues in both in vivo and in vitro assays. As a recent member of THz metamaterials family, toroidal metamaterials have been demonstrated to be supporting high-quality sharp resonance modes. Here we introduce a THz metasensor based on a plasmonic surface consisting of metamolecules that support ultra-narrow toroidal resonances excited by the incident radiation and demonstrate detection of an ultralow concertation targeted biomarker. The toroidal plasmonic metasurface was designed and optimized through extensive numerical studies and fabricated by standard microfabrication techniques. The surface then functionalized by immobilizing the antibody for virus-envelope proteins (ZIKV-EPs) for selective sensing. We sensed and quantified the ZIKV-EP in the assays by measuring the spectral shifts of the toroidal resonances while varying the concentration. In an improved protocol, we introduced gold nanoparticles (GNPs) decorated with the same antibodies onto the metamolecules and monitored the resonance shifts for the same concentrations. Our studies verified that the presence of GNPs enhances capturing of biomarker molecules in the surrounding medium of the metamaterial. By measuring the shift of the toroidal dipolar momentum (up to Δω~0.35 cm−1) for different concentrations of the biomarker proteins, we analyzed the sensitivity, repeatability, and limit of detection (LoD) of the proposed toroidal THz metasensor. The results show that up to 100-fold sensitivity enhancement can be obtained by utilizing plasmonic nanoparticles-integrated toroidal metamolecules in comparison to analogous devices. This approach allows for detection of low molecular-weight biomolecules (≈13 kDa) in diluted solutions using toroidal THz plasmonic unit cells. PMID:29552379

Extreme sensitive metasensor for targeted biomarkers identification using colloidal nanoparticles-integrated plasmonic unit cells.

PubMed

Ahmadivand, Arash; Gerislioglu, Burak; Tomitaka, Asahi; Manickam, Pandiaraj; Kaushik, Ajeet; Bhansali, Shekhar; Nair, Madhavan; Pala, Nezih

2018-02-01

Engineered terahertz (THz) plasmonic metamaterials have emerged as promising platforms for quick infection diagnosis, cost-effective and real-time pharmacology applications owing to their non-destructive and harmless interaction with biological tissues in both in vivo and in vitro assays. As a recent member of THz metamaterials family, toroidal metamaterials have been demonstrated to be supporting high-quality sharp resonance modes. Here we introduce a THz metasensor based on a plasmonic surface consisting of metamolecules that support ultra-narrow toroidal resonances excited by the incident radiation and demonstrate detection of an ultralow concertation targeted biomarker. The toroidal plasmonic metasurface was designed and optimized through extensive numerical studies and fabricated by standard microfabrication techniques. The surface then functionalized by immobilizing the antibody for virus-envelope proteins (ZIKV-EPs) for selective sensing. We sensed and quantified the ZIKV-EP in the assays by measuring the spectral shifts of the toroidal resonances while varying the concentration. In an improved protocol, we introduced gold nanoparticles (GNPs) decorated with the same antibodies onto the metamolecules and monitored the resonance shifts for the same concentrations. Our studies verified that the presence of GNPs enhances capturing of biomarker molecules in the surrounding medium of the metamaterial. By measuring the shift of the toroidal dipolar momentum (up to Δ ω ~0.35 cm -1 ) for different concentrations of the biomarker proteins, we analyzed the sensitivity, repeatability, and limit of detection (LoD) of the proposed toroidal THz metasensor. The results show that up to 100-fold sensitivity enhancement can be obtained by utilizing plasmonic nanoparticles-integrated toroidal metamolecules in comparison to analogous devices. This approach allows for detection of low molecular-weight biomolecules (≈13 kDa) in diluted solutions using toroidal THz plasmonic unit cells.

Suppression of large edge-localized modes in high-confinement DIII-D plasmas with a stochastic magnetic boundary.

PubMed

Evans, T E; Moyer, R A; Thomas, P R; Watkins, J G; Osborne, T H; Boedo, J A; Doyle, E J; Fenstermacher, M E; Finken, K H; Groebner, R J; Groth, M; Harris, J H; La Haye, R J; Lasnier, C J; Masuzaki, S; Ohyabu, N; Pretty, D G; Rhodes, T L; Reimerdes, H; Rudakov, D L; Schaffer, M J; Wang, G; Zeng, L

2004-06-11

A stochastic magnetic boundary, produced by an applied edge resonant magnetic perturbation, is used to suppress most large edge-localized modes (ELMs) in high confinement (H-mode) plasmas. The resulting H mode displays rapid, small oscillations with a bursty character modulated by a coherent 130 Hz envelope. The H mode transport barrier and core confinement are unaffected by the stochastic boundary, despite a threefold drop in the toroidal rotation. These results demonstrate that stochastic boundaries are compatible with H modes and may be attractive for ELM control in next-step fusion tokamaks.

Constraints on Average Radial Anisotropy in the Lower Mantle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trampert, J.; De Wit, R. W. L.; Kaeufl, P.; Valentine, A. P.

2014-12-01

Quantifying uncertainties in seismological models is challenging, yet ideally quality assessment is an integral part of the inverse method. We invert centre frequencies for spheroidal and toroidal modes for three parameters of average radial anisotropy, density and P- and S-wave velocities in the lower mantle. We adopt a Bayesian machine learning approach to extract the information on the earth model that is available in the normal mode data. The method is flexible and allows us to infer probability density functions (pdfs), which provide a quantitative description of our knowledge of the individual earth model parameters. The parameters describing shear- and P-wave anisotropy show little deviations from isotropy, but the intermediate parameter η carries robust information on negative anisotropy of ~1% below 1900 km depth. The mass density in the deep mantle (below 1900 km) shows clear positive deviations from existing models. Other parameters (P- and shear-wave velocities) are close to PREM. Our results require that the average mantle is about 150K colder than commonly assumed adiabats and consist of a mixture of about 60% perovskite and 40% ferropericlase containing 10-15% iron. The anisotropy favours a specific orientation of the two minerals. This observation has important consequences for the nature of mantle flow.

Free-boundary toroidal Alfvén eigenmodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Eugene Y.; Berk, H. L.; Breizman, B.; Zheng, L. J.

2011-05-01

A numerical study is presented for the n = 1 free-boundary toroidal Alfvén eigenmodes (TAE) in tokamaks, which shows that there is considerable sensitivity of n = 1 modes to the position of the conducting wall. An additional branch of the TAE is shown to emerge from the upper continuum as the ratio of conducting wall radius to plasma radius increases. Such phenomena arise in plasma equilibria with both circular and shaped cross sections, where the shaped profile studied here is similar to that found in Alcator C-Mod.

Toroidal resonance: Relation to pygmy mode, vortical properties, and anomalous deformation splitting

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nesterenko, V. O., E-mail: nester@theor.jinr.ru; Kvasil, J.; Repko, A.

2016-11-15

We review a recent progress in investigation of the isoscalar toroidal dipole resonance (TDR). A possible relation of the TDR and low-energy dipole excitations (also called a pygmy resonance) is analyzed. It is shown that the dipole strength in the pygmy region can be understood as a local manifestation of the collective vortical toroidalmotion at the nuclear surface. Application of the TDR as a measure of the nuclear dipole vorticity is discussed. An anomalous splitting of the TDR in deformed nuclei is inspected.

Generalized banana-drift transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mynick, H. E.

1985-10-01

The theory of tokamak ripple transport in the banana-drift and ripple-plateau is extended in a number of directions. The theory is valid for small values of the toroidal periodicity number n of the perturbation, as well as for the moderate values (n approx. 10 - 20) previously assumed. It is shown that low-n perturbations can produce much greater transport than the larger-n perturbations usually studied. In addition, the ripple perturbation is allowed arbitrary values of poloidal mode number m and frequency omega, making it applicable to the transport induced by MHD modes. Bounce averaging is avoided, so the theory includes the contributions to transport from all harmonics of the bounce frequency, providing a continuous description of the transition from the banana drift to the ripple-plateau regime. The implications of the theory for toroidal rotation in tokamaks are considered.

Numerical linear analysis of the effects of diamagnetic and shear flow on ballooning modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yanqing, HUANG; Tianyang, XIA; Bin, GUI

2018-04-01

The linear analysis of the influence of diamagnetic effect and toroidal rotation at the edge of tokamak plasmas with BOUT++ is discussed in this paper. This analysis is done by solving the dispersion relation, which is calculated through the numerical integration of the terms with different physics. This method is able to reveal the contributions of the different terms to the total growth rate. The diamagnetic effect stabilizes the ideal ballooning modes through inhibiting the contribution of curvature. The toroidal rotation effect is also able to suppress the curvature-driving term, and the stronger shearing rate leads to a stronger stabilization effect. In addition, through linear analysis using the energy form, the curvature-driving term provides the free energy absorbed by the line-bending term, diamagnetic term and convective term.

H-Mode Behavior Induced by Modulated Toroidal Current on HT-7 and HT-6M Tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, J. S.; Luo, J. R.; Xu, Y. H.; Zhao, J. Y.; Zhang, X. M.; Li, J. G.; Zhang, X. M.; Gao, X.; Li, Y. D.; Jie, Y. X.; Wu, Z. W.; Hu, L. Q.; Liu, S. X.; Zhang, X. D.; Bao, Y.; Yang, K.; Wang, G. X.; Chen, L.; Shi, Y. J.; Qin, P. J.; Gu, X. M.; Cui, N. Z.; Fan, H. Y.; Chen, Y. F.; Xia, C. Y.; Ruan, H. L.; Tong, X. D.; Phillips, P. E.

2001-10-01

An improved Ohmic confinement phase (similar to H-mode) has been observed during Modulating Toroidal Current on the Hefei Tokamak-6M (HT-6M) and Hefei super-conducting Tokamak-7 (HT-7). This improved plasma confinement phase is characterized by: (a) an increase in ne and T_e(0); (b) reduced H_α radiation from the edge; (c) steeper density and temperature profiles at the edge; (d) a more negative radial electric field inside the limiter; (e) a deeper electrostatic potential well at the edge; (f) reduced magnetic fluctuations at the edge; (g) MHD suppressing; (h) and by an increase in global energy confinement time, τ _e, by 27%-45%. The well-like structure of the radial electric field E_r, appears at an L-H like transition.

NIMROD calculations of energetic particle driven toroidal Alfvén eigenmodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hou, Yawei; Zhu, Ping; Kim, Charlson C.; Hu, Zhaoqing; Zou, Zhihui; Wang, Zhengxiong; Nimrod Team

2018-01-01

Toroidal Alfvén eigenmodes (TAEs) are gap modes induced by the toroidicity of tokamak plasmas in the absence of continuum damping. They can be excited by energetic particles (EPs) when the EP drive exceeds other dampings, such as electron and ion Landau damping, and collisional and radiative damping. A TAE benchmark case, which was proposed by the International Tokamak Physics Activity group, is studied in this work. The numerical calculations of linear growth of TAEs driven by EPs in a circular-shaped, large aspect ratio tokamak have been performed using the Hybrid Kinetic-MHD (HK-MHD) model implemented in the NIMROD code. This HK-MHD model couples a δf particle-in-cell representation of EPs with the 3D MHD representation of the bulk plasma through moment closure for the momentum conservation equation. Both the excitation of TAEs and their transition to energetic particle modes (EPMs) have been observed. The influence of EP density, temperature, density gradient, and position of the maximum relative density gradient, on the frequency and the growth rate of TAEs are obtained, which are consistent with those from the eigen-analysis calculations, kinetic-MHD, and gyrokinetic simulations for an initial Maxwellian distribution of EPs. The relative pressure gradient of EP at the radial location of the TAE gap, which represents the drive strength of EPs, can strongly affect the growth rate of TAEs. It is demonstrated that the mode transition due to EP drive variation leads to not only the change of frequency but also the change of the mode structure. This mechanism can be helpful in understanding the nonlinear physics of TAE/EPM, such as frequency chirping.

Toroidal plasma response based ELM control coil design for EU DEMO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Lina; Liu, Yueqiang; Wenninger, Ronald; Liu, Yue; Wang, Shuo; Yang, Xu

2018-07-01

Magnetic coil design study is carried out, for the purpose of mitigating or suppressing the edge localized modes (ELMs) in a EU DEMO reference scenario. The coil design, including both the coil geometry and the coil current requirement, is based on criteria derived from the linear, full toroidal plasma response computed by the MARS-F code (Liu et al 2000 Phys. Plasma 7 3681). With a single midplane row of coils, a coil size covering about 30°–50° poloidal angle of the torus is found to be optimal for ELM control using the n  >  2 resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP) field (n is the toroidal mode number). For off-midplane coils, the coils’ poloidal location, as well as the relative toroidal phase (coil phasing) between the upper and lower rows of coils, also sensitively affects the ELM control according to the specified criteria. Assuming that the optimal coil phasing can always be straightforwardly implemented, following a simple analytic model derived from toroidal computations, it is better to place the two off-midplane rows of coils near the midplane, in order to maximize the resonant field amplitude and to have larger effects on ELMs. With the same coil current, the ex-vessel coils can be made as effective as the in-vessel coils, at the expense of increasing the ex-vessel coils’ size. This is however possible only for low-n (n  =  1–3) RMP fields. With these low-n fields, and assuming 300 kAt maximal coil current, the computed plasma displacement near the X-point can meet the 10 mm level, which we use as the conservative indicator for achieving ELM mitigation in EU DEMO. The risk of partial control coil failure in EU DEMO is also assessed based on toroidal modeling, indicating that the large n  =  1 sideband due to coil failure may need to be corrected, if the nominal n  >  1 coil configurations are used for ELM control in EU DEMO.

Locked modes in two reversed-field pinch devices of different size and shell system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malmberg, J.-A.; Brunsell, P. R.; Yagi, Y.; Koguchi, H.

2000-10-01

The behavior of locked modes in two reversed-field pinch devices, the Toroidal Pinch Experiment (TPE-RX) [Y. Yagi et al., Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 41, 2552 (1999)] and Extrap T2 [J. R. Drake et al., in Plasma Physics and Controlled Nuclear Fusion Research 1996, Montreal (International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, 1996), Vol. 2, p. 193] is analyzed and compared. The main characteristics of the locked mode are qualitatively similar. The toroidal distribution of the mode locking shows that field errors play a role in both devices. The probability of phase locking is found to increase with increasing magnetic fluctuation levels in both machines. Furthermore, the probability of phase locking increases with plasma current in TPE-RX despite the fact that the magnetic fluctuation levels decrease. A comparison with computations using a theoretical model estimating the critical mode amplitude for locking [R. Fitzpatrick et al., Phys. Plasmas 6, 3878 (1999)] shows a good correlation with experimental results in TPE-RX. In Extrap T2, the magnetic fluctuations scale weakly with both plasma current and electron densities. This is also reflected in the weak scaling of the magnetic fluctuation levels with the Lundquist number (˜S-0.06). In TPE-RX, the corresponding scaling is ˜S-0.18.

One-dimensional energetic particle quasilinear diffusion for realistic TAE instabilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duarte, Vinicius; Ghantous, Katy; Berk, Herbert; Gorelenkov, Nikolai

2014-10-01

Owing to the proximity of the characteristic phase (Alfvén) velocity and typical energetic particle (EP) superthermal velocities, toroidicity-induced Alfvén eigenmodes (TAEs) can be resonantly destabilized endangering the plasma performance. Thus, it is of ultimate importance to understand the deleterious effects on the confinement resulting from fast ion driven instabilities expected in fusion-grade plasmas. We propose to study the interaction of EPs and TAEs using a line broadened quasilinear model, which captures the interaction in both regimes of isolated and overlapping modes. The resonance particles diffuse in the phase space where the problem essentially reduces to one dimension with constant kinetic energy and the diffusion mainly along the canonical toroidal angular momentum. Mode structure and wave particle resonances are computed by the NOVA code and are used in a quasilinear diffusion code that is being written to study the evolution of the distribution function, under the assumption that they can be considered virtually unalterable during the diffusion. A new scheme for the resonant particle diffusion is being proposed that builds on the 1-D nature of the diffusion from a single mode, which leads to a momentum conserving difference scheme even when there is mode overlap.

Observation, Identification, and Impact of Multi-Modal Plasma Responses to Applied Magnetic Perturbations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Logan, Nikolas

2015-11-01

Experiments on DIII-D have demonstrated that multiple kink modes with comparable amplitudes can be driven by applied nonaxisymmetric fields with toroidal mode number n=2, in good agreement with ideal MHD models. In contrast to a single-mode model, the structure of the response measured using poloidally distributed magnetic sensors changes when varying the applied poloidal spectrum. This is most readily evident in that different spectra of applied fields can independently excite inboard and outboard magnetic responses, which are identified as distinct plasma modes by IPEC modeling. The outboard magnetic response is correlated with the plasma pressure and consistent with the long wavelength perturbations of the least stable, pressure driven kinks calculated by DCON and used in IPEC. The models show the structure of the pressure driven modes extends throughout the bad curvature region and into the plasma core. The inboard plasma response is correlated with the edge current profile and requires the inclusion of multiple kink modes with greater stability, including opposite helicity modes, to replicate the experimental observations in the models. IPEC reveals the resulting mode structure to be highly localized in the plasma edge. Scans of the applied spectrum show this response induces the transport that influences the density pump-out, as well as the toroidal rotation drag observed in experiment and modeled using PENT. The classification of these two mode types establishes a new multi-modal paradigm for n=2 plasma response and guides the understanding needed to optimize 3D fields for independent control of stability and transport. Supported by US DOE contract DE-AC02-09CH11466.

Propagation Dynamics Associated with Resonant Magnetic Perturbation Fields in High-Confinement Mode Plasmas inside the KSTAR Tokamak.

PubMed

Xiao, W W; Evans, T E; Tynan, G R; Yoon, S W; Jeon, Y M; Ko, W H; Nam, Y U; Oh, Y K

2017-11-17

The propagation dynamics of resonant magnetic perturbation fields in KSTAR H-mode plasmas with injection of small edge perturbations produced by a supersonic molecular beam injection is reported for the first time. The results show that the perturbation field first excites a plasma response on the q=3 magnetic surface and then propagates inward to the q=2 surface with a radially averaged propagation velocity of resonant magnetic perturbations field equal to 32.5  m/ s. As a result, the perturbation field brakes the toroidal rotation on the q=3 surface first causing a momentum transport perturbation that propagates both inward and outward. A higher density fluctuation level is observed. The propagation velocity of the resonant magnetic perturbations field is larger than the radial propagation velocity of the perturbation in the toroidal rotation.

Sideways wall force produced during tokamak disruptions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strauss, H.; Paccagnella, R.; Breslau, J.; Sugiyama, L.; Jardin, S.

2013-07-01

A critical issue for ITER is to evaluate the forces produced on the surrounding conducting structures during plasma disruptions. We calculate the non-axisymmetric ‘sideways’ wall force Fx, produced in disruptions. Simulations were carried out of disruptions produced by destabilization of n = 1 modes by a vertical displacement event (VDE). The force depends strongly on γτwall, where γ is the mode growth rate and τwall is the wall penetration time, and is largest for γτwall = constant, which depends on initial conditions. Simulations of disruptions caused by a model of massive gas injection were also performed. It was found that the wall force increases approximately offset linearly with the displacement from the magnetic axis produced by a VDE. These results are also obtained with an analytical model. Disruptions are accompanied by toroidal variation of the plasma current Iφ. This is caused by toroidal variation of the halo current, as verified computationally and analytically.

Perturbative studies of toroidal momentum transport in KSTAR H-mode and the effect of ion temperature perturbation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, S. M.; Na, Yong-Su; Na, D. H.; Park, J.-K.; Shi, Y. J.; Ko, W. H.; Lee, S. G.; Hahm, T. S.

2018-06-01

Perturbative experiments have been carried out using tangential neutral beam injection (NBI) and non-resonant magnetic perturbation (NRMP) to analyze the momentum transport properties in KSTAR H-modes. Diffusive and non-diffusive terms of momentum transport are evaluated from the transient analysis. Although the operating conditions and methodologies applied in the two cases are similar, the momentum transport properties obtained show clear differences. The estimated momentum diffusivity and pinch obtained in the NBI modulation experiments is larger than that in the NRMP modulation experiments. We found that this discrepancy could be a result of uncertainties in the assumption for the analysis. By introducing time varying momentum transport coefficients depending on the temperature gradient, the linearized equation shows that if the temperature perturbation exists, the evolution of toroidal rotation perturbation could be faster than the transport rate of mean quantity, since the evolution of toroidal rotation perturbation is related to , a momentum diffusivity from perturbative analysis. This could explain the estimated higher momentum diffusivity using time independent transport coefficients in NBI experiments with higher ion temperature perturbation compared to that in NRMP modulation experiments. The differences in the momentum transport coefficient with NRMP and NBI are much reduced by considering time varying momentum transport coefficients in the time dependent transport simulation.

Pushing Particles with Waves: Current Drive and α-Channeling

DOE PAGES

FISCH, Nathaniel J.

2016-01-01

It can be advantageous to push particles with waves in tokamaks or other magnetic confinement devices, relying on wave-particle resonances to accomplish specific goals. Waves that damp on electrons or ions in toroidal fusion devises can drive currents if the waves are launched with toroidal asymmetry. Theses currents are important for tokamaks, since they operate in the absence of an electric field with curl, enabling steady state operation. The lower hybrid wave and the electron cyclotron wave have been demonstrated to drive significant currents. Non-inductive current also stabilizes deleterious tearing modes. Waves can also be used to broker the energymore » transfer between energetic alpha particles and the background plasma. Alpha particles born through fusion reactions in a tokamak reactor tend to slow down on electrons, but that could take up to hundreds of milliseconds. Before that happens, the energy in these alpha particles can destabilize on collisionless timescales toroidal Alfven modes and other waves, in a way deleterious to energy confinement. However, it has been speculated that this energy might be instead be channeled instead into useful energy, that heats fuel ions or drives current. Furthermore, an important question is the extent to which these effects can be accomplished together.« less

The free oscillations of the earth excited by three strongest earthquakes of the past decade according to deformation observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milyukov, V. K.; Vinogradov, M. P.; Mironov, A. P.; Myasnikov, A. V.; Perelygin, N. A.

2015-03-01

Based on the deformation data provided by the Baksan laser interferometer-strainmeter measurements, the free oscillations of the Earth (FOE) excited by the three strongest earthquakes of the past decade are analyzed. These seismic events include the Great Sumatra-Andaman earthquake that occurred in 2004 in the Indian Ocean, the Mauli earthquake of 2010 in Chile, and the Great Tohoku earthquake of March 2011 in Japan. The frequency-time structure of the free oscillations is studied, and the pattern of interaction between the modes with close frequencies (cross-coupling effect) is explored. For each earthquake, the correspondence of the observed FOE modes to the model predictions by the PREM model is investigated. A reliable consistent shift towards the high frequency of the toroidal modes with angular degree l = 12-19 is revealed. The maximal energy density of the toroidal oscillations is concentrated in the upper mantle of the Earth. Therefore, the established effect corresponds to the higher velocity of the shear waves in the upper mantle than it is predicted by the PREM model.

Modeling of Feedback Stabilization of External MHD Modes in Toroidal Geometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, M. S.; Chance, M. S.; Okabayashi, M.

2000-10-01

The intelligent shell feedback scheme(C.M. Bishop, Plasma Phys. Contr. Nucl. Fusion 31), 1179 (1989). seeks to utilize external coils to suppress the unstable MHD modes slowed down by the resistive shell. We present a new formulation and numerical results of the interaction between the plasma and its outside vacuum region, with complete plasma response and the inclusion of a resistive vessel in general toroidal geometry. This is achieved by using the Green's function technique, which is a generalization of that previously used for the VACUUM(M.S. Chance, Phys. Plasmas 4), 2161 (1997). code and coupled with the ideal MHD code GATO. The effectiveness of different realizations of the intelligent shell concept is gauged by their ability to minimize the available free energy to drive the MHD mode. Computations indicate poloidal coverage of 30% of the total resistive wall surface area and 6 or 7 segments of ``intelligent coil'' arrays superimposed on the resistive wall will allow recovery of up to 90% the effectiveness of the ideal shell in stabilizing the ideal external kink.

Equilibrium and stability of flow-dominated Plasmas in the Big Red Ball

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siller, Robert; Flanagan, Kenneth; Peterson, Ethan; Milhone, Jason; Mirnov, Vladimir; Forest, Cary

2017-10-01

The equilibrium and linear stability of flow-dominated plasmas are studied numerically using a spectral techniques to model MRI and dynamo experiments in the Big Red Ball device. The equilibrium code solves for steady-state magnetic fields and plasma flows subject to boundary conditions in a spherical domain. It has been benchmarked with NIMROD (non-ideal MHD with rotation - open discussion), Two different flow scenarios are studied. The first scenario creates a differentially rotating toroidal flow that is peaked at the center. This is done to explore the onset of the magnetorotational instability (MRI) in a spherical geometry. The second scenario creates a counter-rotating von Karman-like flow in the presence of a weak magnetic field. This is done to explore the plasma dynamo instability in the limit of a weak applied field. Both scenarios are numerically modeled as axisymmetric flow to create a steady-state equilibrium solution, the stability and normal modes are studied in the lowest toroidal mode number. The details of the observed flow, and the structure of the fastest growing modes will be shown. DoE, NSF.

Overview of physics results from the conclusive operation of the National Spherical Torus Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sabbagh, S. A.; Ahn, J.-W.; Allain, J.; Andre, R.; Balbaky, A.; Bastasz, R.; Battaglia, D.; Bell, M.; Bell, R.; Beiersdorfer, P.; Belova, E.; Berkery, J.; Betti, R.; Bialek, J.; Bigelow, T.; Bitter, M.; Boedo, J.; Bonoli, P.; Boozer, A.; Bortolon, A.; Boyle, D.; Brennan, D.; Breslau, J.; Buttery, R.; Canik, J.; Caravelli, G.; Chang, C.; Crocker, N.; Darrow, D.; Davis, B.; Delgado-Aparicio, L.; Diallo, A.; Ding, S.; D'Ippolito, D.; Domier, C.; Dorland, W.; Ethier, S.; Evans, T.; Ferron, J.; Finkenthal, M.; Foley, J.; Fonck, R.; Frazin, R.; Fredrickson, E.; Fu, G.; Gates, D.; Gerhardt, S.; Glasser, A.; Gorelenkov, N.; Gray, T.; Guo, Y.; Guttenfelder, W.; Hahm, T.; Harvey, R.; Hassanein, A.; Heidbrink, W.; Hill, K.; Hirooka, Y.; Hooper, E. B.; Hosea, J.; Humphreys, D.; Indireshkumar, K.; Jaeger, F.; Jarboe, T.; Jardin, S.; Jaworski, M.; Kaita, R.; Kallman, J.; Katsuro-Hopkins, O.; Kaye, S.; Kessel, C.; Kim, J.; Kolemen, E.; Kramer, G.; Krasheninnikov, S.; Kubota, S.; Kugel, H.; La Haye, R. J.; Lao, L.; LeBlanc, B.; Lee, W.; Lee, K.; Leuer, J.; Levinton, F.; Liang, Y.; Liu, D.; Lore, J.; Luhmann, N., Jr.; Maingi, R.; Majeski, R.; Manickam, J.; Mansfield, D.; Maqueda, R.; Mazzucato, E.; McLean, A.; McCune, D.; McGeehan, B.; McKee, G.; Medley, S.; Meier, E.; Menard, J.; Menon, M.; Meyer, H.; Mikkelsen, D.; Miloshevsky, G.; Mueller, D.; Munsat, T.; Myra, J.; Nelson, B.; Nishino, N.; Nygren, R.; Ono, M.; Osborne, T.; Park, H.; Park, J.; Park, Y. S.; Paul, S.; Peebles, W.; Penaflor, B.; Perkins, R. J.; Phillips, C.; Pigarov, A.; Podesta, M.; Preinhaelter, J.; Raman, R.; Ren, Y.; Rewoldt, G.; Rognlien, T.; Ross, P.; Rowley, C.; Ruskov, E.; Russell, D.; Ruzic, D.; Ryan, P.; Schaffer, M.; Schuster, E.; Scotti, F.; Shaing, K.; Shevchenko, V.; Shinohara, K.; Sizyuk, V.; Skinner, C. H.; Smirnov, A.; Smith, D.; Snyder, P.; Solomon, W.; Sontag, A.; Soukhanovskii, V.; Stoltzfus-Dueck, T.; Stotler, D.; Stratton, B.; Stutman, D.; Takahashi, H.; Takase, Y.; Tamura, N.; Tang, X.; Taylor, G.; Taylor, C.; Tritz, K.; Tsarouhas, D.; Umansky, M.; Urban, J.; Untergberg, E.; Walker, M.; Wampler, W.; Wang, W.; Whaley, J.; White, R.; Wilgen, J.; Wilson, R.; Wong, K. L.; Wright, J.; Xia, Z.; Youchison, D.; Yu, G.; Yuh, H.; Zakharov, L.; Zemlyanov, D.; Zimmer, G.; Zweben, S. J.

2013-10-01

Research on the National Spherical Torus Experiment, NSTX, targets physics understanding needed for extrapolation to a steady-state ST Fusion Nuclear Science Facility, pilot plant, or DEMO. The unique ST operational space is leveraged to test physics theories for next-step tokamak operation, including ITER. Present research also examines implications for the coming device upgrade, NSTX-U. An energy confinement time, τE, scaling unified for varied wall conditions exhibits a strong improvement of BTτE with decreased electron collisionality, accentuated by lithium (Li) wall conditioning. This result is consistent with nonlinear microtearing simulations that match the experimental electron diffusivity quantitatively and predict reduced electron heat transport at lower collisionality. Beam-emission spectroscopy measurements in the steep gradient region of the pedestal indicate the poloidal correlation length of turbulence of about ten ion gyroradii increases at higher electron density gradient and lower Ti gradient, consistent with turbulence caused by trapped electron instabilities. Density fluctuations in the pedestal top region indicate ion-scale microturbulence compatible with ion temperature gradient and/or kinetic ballooning mode instabilities. Plasma characteristics change nearly continuously with increasing Li evaporation and edge localized modes (ELMs) stabilize due to edge density gradient alteration. Global mode stability studies show stabilizing resonant kinetic effects are enhanced at lower collisionality, but in stark contrast have almost no dependence on collisionality when the plasma is off-resonance. Combined resistive wall mode radial and poloidal field sensor feedback was used to control n = 1 perturbations and improve stability. The disruption probability due to unstable resistive wall modes (RWMs) was surprisingly reduced at very high βN/li > 10 consistent with low frequency magnetohydrodynamic spectroscopy measurements of mode stability. Greater instability seen at intermediate βN is consistent with decreased kinetic RWM stabilization. A model-based RWM state-space controller produced long-pulse discharges exceeding βN = 6.4 and βN/li = 13. Precursor analysis shows 96.3% of disruptions can be predicted with 10 ms warning and a false positive rate of only 2.8%. Disruption halo currents rotate toroidally and can have significant toroidal asymmetry. Global kinks cause measured fast ion redistribution, with full-orbit calculations showing redistribution from the core outward and towards V∥/V = 1 where destabilizing compressional Alfvén eigenmode resonances are expected. Applied 3D fields altered global Alfvén eigenmode characteristics. High-harmonic fast-wave (HHFW) power couples to field lines across the entire width of the scrape-off layer, showing the importance of the inclusion of this phenomenon in designing future RF systems. The snowflake divertor configuration enhanced by radiative detachment showed large reductions in both steady-state and ELM heat fluxes (ELMing peak values down from 19 MW m-2 to less than 1.5 MW m-2). Toroidal asymmetry of heat deposition was observed during ELMs or by 3D fields. The heating power required for accessing H-mode decreased by 30% as the triangularity was decreased by moving the X-point to larger radius, consistent with calculations of the dependence of E × B shear in the edge region on ion heat flux and X-point radius. Co-axial helicity injection reduced the inductive start-up flux, with plasmas ramped to 1 MA requiring 35% less inductive flux. Non-inductive current fraction (NICF) up to 65% is reached experimentally with neutral beam injection at plasma current Ip = 0.7 MA and between 70-100% with HHFW application at Ip = 0.3 MA. NSTX-U scenario development calculations project 100% NICF for a large range of 0.6 < Ip(MA) < 1.35.

Generation of noninductive current by electron-Bernstein waves on the COMPASS-D Tokamak.

PubMed

Shevchenko, V; Baranov, Y; O'Brien, M; Saveliev, A

2002-12-23

Electron-Bernstein waves (EBW) were excited in the plasma by mode converted extraordinary (X) waves launched from the high field side of the COMPASS-D tokamak at different toroidal angles. It has been found experimentally that X-mode injection perpendicular to the magnetic field provides maximum heating efficiency. Noninductive currents of up to 100 kA were found to be driven by the EBW mode with countercurrent drive. These results are consistent with ray tracing and quasilinear Fokker-Planck simulations.

Verification of long wavelength electromagnetic modes with a gyrokinetic-fluid hybrid model in the XGC code

PubMed Central

Lang, Jianying; Ku, S.; Chen, Y.; Parker, S. E.; Adams, M. F.

2017-01-01

As an alternative option to kinetic electrons, the gyrokinetic total-f particle-in-cell (PIC) code XGC1 has been extended to the MHD/fluid type electromagnetic regime by combining gyrokinetic PIC ions with massless drift-fluid electrons analogous to Chen and Parker [Phys. Plasmas 8, 441 (2001)]. Two representative long wavelength modes, shear Alfvén waves and resistive tearing modes, are verified in cylindrical and toroidal magnetic field geometries. PMID:29104419

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Goumiri, I. R.; Rowley, C. W.; Sabbagh, S. A.

In this study, a model-based feedback system is presented enabling the simultaneous control of the stored energy through β n and the toroidal rotation profile of the plasma in National Spherical Torus eXperiment Upgrade device. Actuation is obtained using the momentum from six injected neutral beams and the neoclassical toroidal viscosity generated by applying three-dimensional magnetic fields. Based on a model of the momentum diffusion and torque balance, a feedback controller is designed and tested in closed-loop simulations using TRANSP, a time dependent transport analysis code, in predictive mode. Promising results for the ongoing experimental implementation of controllers are obtained.

Intelligent shell feedback control in EXTRAP T2R reversed field pinch with partial coverage of the toroidal surface by a discrete active coil array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yadikin, D.; Brunsell, P. R.; Drake, J. R.

2006-01-01

An active feedback system is required for long pulse operation of the reversed field pinch (RFP) device to suppress resistive wall modes (RWMs). A general feature of a feedback system using a discrete active coil array is a coupling effect which arises when a set of side band modes determined by the number of active coils is produced. Recent results obtained on the EXTRAP T2R RFP demonstrated the suppression of independent m = 1 RWMs using an active feedback system with a two-dimensional array of discrete active coils in the poloidal and toroidal directions. One of the feedback algorithms used is the intelligent shell feedback scheme. Active feedback systems having different number of active coils in the poloidal (Mc) and toroidal (Nc) directions (Mc × Nc = 2 × 32 and Mc × Nc = 4 × 16) are studied. Different side band effects are seen for these configurations. A significant prolongation of the plasma discharge is achieved for the intelligent shell feedback scheme using the 2 × 32 active coil configuration. This is attributed to the side band sets including only one of the dominant unstable RWMs and avoiding coupling to resonant modes. Analog proportional-integral-derivative controllers are used in the feedback system. Regimes with different values of the proportional gain are studied. The requirement of the proportional-integral control for low proportional gain and proportional-derivative control for high proportional gain is seen in the experiments.

Three-dimensional equilibria and island energy transport due to resonant magnetic perturbation edge localized mode suppression on DIII-D

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

King, J. D.; Strait, Edward J.; Nazikian, Raffi

2015-11-01

Experiments in the DIII-D tokamak show that the plasma responds to resonant magnetic perturbations (RMP) with toroidal mode numbers of n = 2 and n = 3 without field line reconnection, consistent with resistive magnetohydrodynamic predictions (MHD), while a strong nonlinear bifurcation is apparent when edge localized modes (ELM) are suppressed. The magnetic response associated with this bifurcation is localized to the high field side (HFS) of the machine and exhibits a dominant n = 1 component despite the application of a constant amplitude, slowly toroidally rotating, n = 2 applied field. The n = 1 mode is born lockedmore » to the vacuum vessel wall, while the n = 2 mode is entrained to the rotating field. Based on these magnetic response measurements, and Thomson scattering measurements of flattening of the electron temperature profile it is likely that these modes are magnetic island chains near the H-mode pedestal. The reduction in ∇T e occurs near the q = 4 and 5 rational surfaces, suggesting five unique islands are possible (m = 8, 9 or 10 for n = 2) and (m = 4 or 5 for n = 1). In all cases, the island width is estimated to be 2 ~ 3 cm. The Chang-Callen calculated confinement degradation due to the presence of an individual island of this size is 8 ~ 12%, which is close to the 13 ~ 14% measured between the ELMing and suppressed states. This suggests that edge tearing modes may alter the pedestal causing peeling ballooning stability during resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP) induced ELM suppression.« less

Axisymmetric electrostatic magnetohydrodynamic oscillations in tokamaks with general cross-sections and toroidal flow

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chu, M. S.; Guo, Wenfeng

2016-06-15

The frequency spectrum and mode structure of axisymmetric electrostatic oscillations [the zonal flow (ZF), sound waves (SW), geodesic acoustic modes (GAM), and electrostatic mean flows (EMF)] in tokamaks with general cross-sections and toroidal flows are studied analytically using the electrostatic approximation for magnetohydrodynamic modes. These modes constitute the “electrostatic continua.” Starting from the energy principle for a tokamak plasma with toroidal rotation, we showed that these modes are completely stable. The ZF, the SW, and the EMF could all be viewed as special cases of the general GAM. The Euler equations for the general GAM are obtained and are solvedmore » analytically for both the low and high range of Mach numbers. The solution consists of the usual countable infinite set of eigen-modes with discrete eigen-frequencies, and two modes with lower frequencies. The countable infinite set is identified with the regular GAM. The lower frequency mode, which is also divergence free as the plasma rotation tends to zero, is identified as the ZF. The other lower (zero) frequency mode is a pure geodesic E×B flow and not divergence free is identified as the EMF. The frequency of the EMF is shown to be exactly 0 independent of plasma cross-section or its flow Mach number. We also show that in general, sound waves with no geodesic components are (almost) completely lost in tokamaks with a general cross-sectional shape. The exception is the special case of strict up-down symmetry. In this case, half of the GAMs would have no geodesic displacements. They are identified as the SW. Present day tokamaks, although not strictly up-down symmetric, usually are only slightly up-down asymmetric. They are expected to share the property with the up-down symmetric tokamak in that half of the GAMs would be more sound wave-like, i.e., have much weaker coupling to the geodesic components than the other half of non-sound-wave-like modes with stronger coupling to the geodesic displacements. Based on the general notion that the geodesic component of the GAM is more effective in tearing up the eddies in the electrostatic turbulence, it is important to preferentially excite the GAMs that are non-sound-wave like to maximize the efficiency on turbulence suppression through external means. Finally, approximate formulae for the frequencies of the EMF, ZF, SW, and the GAM for a large aspect ratio circular tokamak rotating at low Mach numbers are also provided.« less

Interchange mode excited by trapped energetic ions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nishimura, Seiya, E-mail: n-seiya@kobe-kosen.ac.jp

2015-07-15

The kinetic energy principle describing the interaction between ideal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) modes with trapped energetic ions is revised. A model is proposed on the basis of the reduced ideal MHD equations for background plasmas and the bounce-averaged drift-kinetic equation for trapped energetic ions. The model is applicable to large-aspect-ratio toroidal devices. Specifically, the effect of trapped energetic ions on the interchange mode in helical systems is analyzed. Results show that the interchange mode is excited by trapped energetic ions, even if the equilibrium states are stable to the ideal interchange mode. The energetic-ion-induced branch of the interchange mode might bemore » associated with the fishbone mode in helical systems.« less

Solenoid-free plasma startup in NSTX using transient CHI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raman, R.; Jarboe, T. R.; Mueller, D.; Nelson, B. A.; Bell, M. G.; Bell, R.; Gates, D.; Gerhardt, S.; Hosea, J.; Kaita, R.; Kugel, H.; LeBlanc, B.; Maingi, R.; Maqueda, R.; Menard, J.; Nagata, M.; Ono, M.; Paul, S.; Roquemore, L.; Sabbagh, S.; Soukhanovskii, V.; Taylor, G.

2009-06-01

Experiments in NSTX have now demonstrated the coupling of toroidal plasmas produced by the technique of coaxial helicity injection (CHI) to inductive sustainment and ramp-up of the toroidal plasma current. In these discharges, the central Ohmic transformer was used to apply an inductive loop voltage to discharges with a toroidal current of about 100 kA created by CHI. The coupled discharges have ramped up to >700 kA and transitioned into an H-mode demonstrating compatibility of this startup method with conventional operation. The electron temperature in the coupled discharges reached over 800 eV and the resulting plasma had low inductance, which is preferred for long-pulse high-performance discharges. These results from NSTX in combination with the previously obtained record 160 kA non-inductively generated startup currents in an ST or tokamak in NSTX demonstrate that CHI is a viable solenoid-free plasma startup method for future STs and tokamaks.

ELM-free and inter-ELM divertor heat flux broadening induced by edge harmonics oscillation in NSTX

DOE PAGES

Gan, K. F.; Ahn, J. -W.; Gray, T. K.; ...

2017-10-26

A new n =1 dominated edge harmonic oscillation (EHO) has been found in NSTX. The new EHO, rotating toroidally in the counter-current direction and the opposite direction of the neutral beam, was observed during certain inter-ELM and ELM-free periods of H-mode operation. This EHO is associated with a significant broadening of the integral heat flux width (more » $${{\\lambda}_{\\operatorname{int}}}$$ ) by up to 150%, and a decrease in the divertor peak heat flux by >60%. An EHO induced filament was also observed by the gas puff imaging diagnostic. The toroidal rotating filaments could change the edge magnetic topology resulting in toroidal rotating strike point splitting and heat flux broadening. Finally, experimental result of the counter current rotation of strike points splitting is consistent with the counter-current EHO.« less

Evidence of a Weakly Absorbing Intermediate Mode of Aerosols in AERONET Data from Saharan and Sahelian Sites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gianelli, Scott M.; Lacis, Andrew A.; Carlson, Barbara E.; Hameed, Sultan

2013-01-01

Accurate retrievals of aerosol size distribution are necessary to estimate aerosols' impact on climate and human health. The inversions of the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) usually retrieve bimodal distributions. However, when the inversion is applied to Saharan and Sahelian dust, an additional mode of intermediate size between the coarse and fine modes is sometimes seen. This mode explains peculiarities in the behavior of the Angstrom exponent, along with the fine mode fraction retrieved using the spectral deconvolution algorithm, observed in a March 2006 dust storm. For this study, 15 AERONET sites in northern Africa and on the Atlantic are examined to determine the frequency and properties of the intermediate mode. The mode is observed most frequently at Ilorin in Nigeria. It is also observed at Capo Verde and multiple sites located within the Sahel but much less frequently at sites in the northern Sahara and the Canary Islands. The presence of the intermediate mode coincides with increases in Angstrom exponent, fine mode fraction, single-scattering albedo, and to a lesser extent percent sphericity. The Angstrom exponent decreases with increasing optical depth at most sites when the intermediate mode is present, but the fine mode fraction does not. Single-scattering albedo does not steadily decrease with fine mode fraction when the intermediate mode is present, as it does in typical mixtures of dust and biomass-burning aerosols. Continued investigation is needed to further define the intermediate mode's properties, determine why it differs from most Saharan dust, and identify its climate and health effects.

Intrinsic Flow and Momentum Transport during Improved Confinement in MST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Craig, D.; Tan, E.; Schott, B.; Anderson, J. K.; Boguski, J.; Nornberg, M. D.; Xing, Z. A.

2017-10-01

Progress in absolute wavelength calibration of the Charge Exchange Recombination Spectroscopy (CHERS) system on MST has enabled new observations and analysis of intrinsic flow and momentum transport. Localized toroidal and poloidal flow measurements with systematic accuracy of +/- 3 km/s have been obtained during improved confinement Pulsed Parallel Current Drive (PPCD) plasmas at high plasma current (400-500 kA). The magnetic activity prior to and during the transition to improved confinement tends to increase the flow and sets the initial condition for the momentum profile evolution during improved confinement where intrinsic flow drive appears to weaken. Inboard flows change in time during PPCD, consistent with changes in the core-resonant m =1, n =6 tearing mode phase velocity. Outboard flows near the magnetic axis are time-independent, resulting in the development of a strongly sheared toroidal flow in the core and asymmetry in the poloidal flow profile. The deceleration of the n =6 mode during the period of improved confinement correlates well with the n =6 mode amplitude and is roughly consistent with the expected torque from eddy currents in the conducting shell. The level of Dα emission and secondary mode amplitudes (n =7-10) do not correlate with the mode deceleration suggesting that the momentum loss from charge exchange with neutrals and diffusion due to residual magnetic stochasticity are not significant in PPCD. This work has been supported by the U.S.D.O.E.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Beidler, M. T.; Cassak, P. A.; Jardin, S. C.

We diagnose local properties of magnetic reconnection during a sawtooth crash employing the three-dimensional toroidal, extended-magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) code M3D-C 1. To do so, we sample simulation data in the plane in which reconnection occurs, the plane perpendicular to the helical (m, n) = (1, 1) mode at the q = 1 surface, where m and n are the poloidal and toroidal mode numbers and q is the safety factor. We study the nonlinear evolution of a particular test equilibrium in a non-reduced field representation using both resistive-MHD and extended-MHD models. We find growth rates for the extended-MHD reconnection process exhibitmore » a nonlinear acceleration and greatly exceed that of the resistive-MHD model, as is expected from previous experimental, theoretical, and computational work. We compare the properties of reconnection in the two simulations, revealing the reconnecting current sheets are locally different in the two models and we present the first observation of the quadrupole out-of-plane Hall magnetic field that appears during extended-MHD reconnection in a 3D toroidal simulation (but not in resistive-MHD). We also explore the dependence on toroidal angle of the properties of reconnection as viewed in the plane perpendicular to the helical magnetic field, finding qualitative and quantitative effects due to changes in the symmetry of the reconnection process. Furthermore, this study is potentially important for a wide range of magnetically confined fusion applications, from confirming simulations with extended-MHD effects are sufficiently resolved to describe reconnection, to quantifying local reconnection rates for purposes of understanding and predicting transport, not only at the q = 1 rational surface for sawteeth, but also at higher order rational surfaces that play a role in disruptions and edge-confinement degradation.« less

High Confinement Mode and Edge Localized Mode Characteristics in a Near-Unity Aspect Ratio Tokamak.

PubMed

Thome, K E; Bongard, M W; Barr, J L; Bodner, G M; Burke, M G; Fonck, R J; Kriete, D M; Perry, J M; Schlossberg, D J

2016-04-29

Tokamak experiments at near-unity aspect ratio A≲1.2 offer new insights into the self-organized H-mode plasma confinement regime. In contrast to conventional A∼3 plasmas, the L-H power threshold P_{LH} is ∼15× higher than scaling predictions, and it is insensitive to magnetic topology, consistent with modeling. Edge localized mode (ELM) instabilities shift to lower toroidal mode numbers as A decreases. These ultralow-A operations enable heretofore inaccessible J_{edge}(R,t) measurements through an ELM that show a complex multimodal collapse and the ejection of a current-carrying filament.

High confinement mode and edge localized mode characteristics in a near-unity aspect ratio tokamak

DOE PAGES

Thome, Kathreen E.; Bongard, Michael W.; Barr, Jayson L.; ...

2016-04-27

Tokamak experiments at near-unity aspect ratio A ≲ 1.2 offer new insights into the self-organized H-mode plasma confinement regime. In contrast to conventional A ~ 3 plasmas, the L–H power threshold P LH is ~15× higher than scaling predictions, and it is insensitive to magnetic topology, consistent with modeling. Edge localized mode (ELM) instabilities shift to lower toroidal mode numbers as A decreases. Furthermore, these ultralow-A operations enable heretofore inaccessible J edge(R,t) measurements through an ELM that show a complex multimodal collapse and the ejection of a current-carrying filament.

Statistical analysis of m/ n = 2/1 locked and quasi-stationary modes with rotating precursors at DIII-D

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sweeney, Ryan Myles; Choi, W.; La Haye, R. J.

A database has been developed to study the evolution, the nonlinear effects on equilibria, and the disruptivity of locked and quasi-stationary modes with poloidal and toroidal mode numbers m = 2 and n = 1 at DIII-D. The analysis of 22500 discharges shows that more than 18% of disruptions are due to locked or quasi-stationary modes with rotating precursors (not including born locked modes). A parameter formulated by the plasma internal inductance l i divided by the safety factor at 95% of the poloidal flux, q 95, is found to exhibit predictive capability over whether a locked mode will cause a disruption or not, and does so up to hundreds of milliseconds before the disruption. Within 20 ms of the disruption, the shortest distance between the island separatrix and the unperturbed last closed flux surface, referred to as d edge, performs comparably tomore » $${{l}_{i}}/{{q}_{95}}$$ in its ability to discriminate disruptive locked modes. Out of all parameters considered, d edge also correlates best with the duration of the locked mode. Disruptivity following a m/n = 2/1 locked mode as a function of the normalized beta, $${{\\beta}_{\\text{N}}}$$ , is observed to peak at an intermediate value, and decrease for high values. The decrease is attributed to the correlation between $${{\\beta}_{\\text{N}}}$$ and q 95 in the DIII-D operational space. Within 50 ms of a locked mode disruption, average behavior includes exponential growth of the n = 1 perturbed field, which might be due to the 2/1 locked mode. Surprisingly, even assuming the aforementioned 2/1 growth, disruptivity following a locked mode shows little dependence on island width up to 20 ms before the disruption. Separately, greater deceleration of the rotating precursor is observed when the wall torque is large. At locking, modes are often observed to align at a particular phase, which is likely related to a residual error field. Timescales associated with the mode evolution are also studied and dictate the response times necessary for disruption avoidance and mitigation. Lastly, observations of the evolution of $${{\\beta}_{\\text{N}}}$$ during a locked mode, the effects of poloidal beta on the saturated width, and the reduction in Shafranov shift during locking are also presented.« less

Statistical analysis of m/ n = 2/1 locked and quasi-stationary modes with rotating precursors at DIII-D

DOE PAGES

Sweeney, Ryan Myles; Choi, W.; La Haye, R. J.; ...

2016-11-01

A database has been developed to study the evolution, the nonlinear effects on equilibria, and the disruptivity of locked and quasi-stationary modes with poloidal and toroidal mode numbers m = 2 and n = 1 at DIII-D. The analysis of 22500 discharges shows that more than 18% of disruptions are due to locked or quasi-stationary modes with rotating precursors (not including born locked modes). A parameter formulated by the plasma internal inductance l i divided by the safety factor at 95% of the poloidal flux, q 95, is found to exhibit predictive capability over whether a locked mode will cause a disruption or not, and does so up to hundreds of milliseconds before the disruption. Within 20 ms of the disruption, the shortest distance between the island separatrix and the unperturbed last closed flux surface, referred to as d edge, performs comparably tomore » $${{l}_{i}}/{{q}_{95}}$$ in its ability to discriminate disruptive locked modes. Out of all parameters considered, d edge also correlates best with the duration of the locked mode. Disruptivity following a m/n = 2/1 locked mode as a function of the normalized beta, $${{\\beta}_{\\text{N}}}$$ , is observed to peak at an intermediate value, and decrease for high values. The decrease is attributed to the correlation between $${{\\beta}_{\\text{N}}}$$ and q 95 in the DIII-D operational space. Within 50 ms of a locked mode disruption, average behavior includes exponential growth of the n = 1 perturbed field, which might be due to the 2/1 locked mode. Surprisingly, even assuming the aforementioned 2/1 growth, disruptivity following a locked mode shows little dependence on island width up to 20 ms before the disruption. Separately, greater deceleration of the rotating precursor is observed when the wall torque is large. At locking, modes are often observed to align at a particular phase, which is likely related to a residual error field. Timescales associated with the mode evolution are also studied and dictate the response times necessary for disruption avoidance and mitigation. Lastly, observations of the evolution of $${{\\beta}_{\\text{N}}}$$ during a locked mode, the effects of poloidal beta on the saturated width, and the reduction in Shafranov shift during locking are also presented.« less

Intrinsic Flow Behavior During Improved Confinement in MST Reversed-field Pinch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, E.; Craig, D.; Schott, B.; Boguski, J.; Xing, Z. A.; Nornberg, M. D.; Anderson, J. K.

2017-10-01

We used active charge exchange recombination spectroscopy to measure impurity ion flow velocity in high-current plasmas during periods of improved confinement. Velocity measurements througout the core reveal that ion flow parallel to the magnetic field is dominant compared to the perpendicular flow. The poloidal flow profile reverses at r/a = 0.6, and the flow near the core is larger on outboard positions compared to the inboard positions. A strong shear in the toroidal flow develops near the axis as PPCD proceeds. In the past, the mode velocity has been used to infer the toroidal flow based on the `no-slip' assumption that the mode and local plasma co-rotate. We tested this assumption with direct measurements near the m = 1, n = 6 resonant surface. Inboard flow measurements are consistent with the no-slip condition and exhibit a time dependence where the flow decreases together with the n = 6 mode velocity. The outboard flow is consistent in magnitude with the no-slip condition but the variations in time and across shots do not correlate well with the n = 6 mode velocity. Possible reasons why the inboard and outboard flow exhibit different behavior are discussed. This work has been supported by the US DOE and the Wheaton College summer research program.

NIMROD simulations of HIT-SI plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akcay, Cihan; Jarboe, Thomas; Nelson, Brian; Kim, Charlson

2011-10-01

HIT-SI (Steady Inductive Helicity Injected Torus) is a current drive experiment that uses two semi-toroidal helicity injectors driven at 5-15 kHz to generate steady inductive helicity injection (SIHI). All the plasma-facing walls of the experiment are coated with an insulating material to guarantee an inductive discharge. NIMROD is a 3-D extended MHD code that can only model toroidally-uniform geometries. The helicity injectors of the experiment are simulated as flux and voltage boundary conditions with odd toroidal symmetry. A highly resistive, thin edge-layer approximates the insulating walls. The simulations are initial-value calculations that use a zero β resistive MHD (rMHD) model with uniform density. The Prandtl number (Pr = 10), and Lundquist number (S = 5 - 50) closely match the experimental values. rMHD calculations at S ~ 10 show no growth of an n = 0 mode and only a few kA of toroidal current whereas HIT-SI has demonstrated toroidal currents greater than 50 kA with a current amplification of 3. At higher S (>= 20) the simulations exhibit significant n = 0 magnetic energy growth and a current amplification exceeding unity: Itor/Iinj >= 1 . While HIT-SI has shown evidence for separatrix formation, rMHD calculations indicate an entirely stochastic magnetic structure during sustainment. Results will also presented for Hall MHD, anticipated to play a crucial role in the physics of SIHI.

Neoclassical poloidal and toroidal rotation in tokamaks

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kim, Y.B.; Diamond, P.H.; Groebner, R.J.

1991-08-01

Explicit expressions for the neoclassical poloidal and toroidal rotation speeds of primary ion and impurity species are derived via the Hirshman and Sigmar moment approach. The rotation speeds of the primary ion can be significantly different from those of impurities in various interesting cases. The rapid increase of impurity poloidal rotation in the edge region of H-mode discharges in tokamaks can be explained by a rapid steepening of the primary ion pressure gradient. Depending on ion collisionality, the poloidal rotation speed of the primary ions at the edge can be quite small and the flow direction may be opposite tomore » that of the impurities. This may cast considerable doubts on current L to H bifurcation models based on primary ion poloidal rotation only. Also, the difference between the toroidal rotation velocities of primary ions and impurities is not negligible in various cases. In Ohmic plasmas, the parallel electric field induces a large impurity toroidal rotation close to the magnetic axis, which seems to agree with experimental observations. In the ion banana and plateau regime, there can be non-negligible disparities between primary ion and impurity toroidal rotation velocities due to the ion density and temperature gradients. Detailed analytic expressions for the primary ion and impurity rotation speeds are presented, and the methodology for generalization to the case of several impurity species is also presented for future numerical evaluation.« less

Three dimensional nonlinear simulations of edge localized modes on the EAST tokamak using BOUT++ code

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Z. X.; Xu, X. Q.; Gao, X.; Xia, T. Y.; Joseph, I.; Meyer, W. H.; Liu, S. C.; Xu, G. S.; Shao, L. M.; Ding, S. Y.; Li, G. Q.; Li, J. G.

2014-09-01

Experimental measurements of edge localized modes (ELMs) observed on the EAST experiment are compared to linear and nonlinear theoretical simulations of peeling-ballooning modes using the BOUT++ code. Simulations predict that the dominant toroidal mode number of the ELM instability becomes larger for lower current, which is consistent with the mode structure captured with visible light using an optical CCD camera. The poloidal mode number of the simulated pressure perturbation shows good agreement with the filamentary structure observed by the camera. The nonlinear simulation is also consistent with the experimentally measured energy loss during an ELM crash and with the radial speed of ELM effluxes measured using a gas puffing imaging diagnostic.

Theoretical issues on the spontaneous rotation of axisymmetric plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coppi, B.; Zhou, T.

2014-09-01

An extensive series of experiments have confirmed that the observed ‘spontaneous rotation’ phenomenon in axisymmetric plasmas is related to the confinement properties of these plasmas and connected to the excitation of collective modes associated with these properties (Coppi 2000 18th IAEA Fusion Energy Conf. (Sorrento, Italy, 2000) THP 1/17, www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/csp_008c/html/node343.htm and Coppi 2002 Nucl. Fusion 42 1). In particular, radially localized modes can extract angular momentum from the plasma column from which they grow while the background plasma has to recoil in the direction opposite to that of the mode phase velocity. In the case of the excitation of the plasma modes at the edge, the loss of their angular momentum can be connected to the directed particle ejection to the surrounding medium. The recoil angular momentum is then redistributed inside the plasma column mainly by the combination of an effective viscous diffusion and an inward angular momentum transport velocity that is connected, for instance, to ion temperature gradient (ITG) driven modes. The linear and quasi-linear theories of the collisionless trapped electron modes and of the toroidal ITG driven modes are re-examined in the context of their influence on angular momentum transport. Internal modes that produce magnetic reconnection and are electromagnetic in nature, acquire characteristic phase velocity directions in high temperature regimes and become relevant to the ‘generation’ of angular momentum. The drift-tearing mode, the ‘complex’ reconnecting mode and the m0 = 1 internal mode belong to this category, the last mode acquiring different features depending on the strength of its driving factor. Toroidal velocity profiles that reproduce the experimental observations are obtained considering a global angular momentum balance equation that includes the localized sources associated with the excited internal electrostatic and electromagnetic modes besides the appropriate diffusive and the inward angular momentum transparent terms.

Mode cross coupling observations with a rotation sensor.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nader, Maria-Fernanda; Igel, Heiner; Ferreira, Ana M. G.; Al-Attar, David

2013-04-01

The Earth's free oscillations induced by large earthquakes have been one of the most important ways to measure the Earth's internal structure and processes. They provide important large scale constraints on a variety of elastic parameters, attenuation and density of the Earth's deep interior. The potential of rotational seismic records for long period seismology was proven useful as a complement to traditional measurements in the study of the Earth's free oscillations (Igel et al. 2011). Thanks to the high resolution of the G-ring laser located at Geodetic Observatory Wettzell, Germany, we are now able to study the spectral energy generated by rotations in the low frequency range. On a SNREI Earth, a vertical component rotational sensor is primarily excited by horizontally polarised shear motions (SH waves, Love waves) with theoretically no sensitivity to compressional waves and conversions (P-SV) and Rayleigh waves. Consequently, in the context of the Earth's normal modes, this instrument detects mostly toroidal modes. Here, we present observations of spectral energy of both toroidal and spheroidal normal modes in the G-ring Laser records of two of the largest magnitude events recently recorded: Tohoku-Oki, Japan, 2011 and Maule, Chile, 2010. In an attempt to determine the mechanisms responsible for spheroidal energy in the vertical axes rotational spectra, we first rule out instrumental effects as well as the effect of local heterogeneity. Second, we carry out a simulation of an ideal rotational sensor taking into account the effects of the Earth's daily rotation, its hydrostatic ellipticity and structural heterogeneity, finding a good fit to the data. Simulations considering each effect separately are performed in order to evaluate the sensitivity of rotational motions to global effects with respect to traditional translation measurements. Igel H, Nader MF, Kurrle D, Ferreira AM,Wassermann J, Schreiber KU (2011) ''Observations of Earth's toroidal free oscillations with a rotation sensor: the 2011 magnitude 9.0 Tohoku-Oki earthquake.'' Geophys Res Lett. doi:10.1029/2011GL049045

MHD Instabilities and Toroidal Field Effects on Plasma Column Behavior in Tokamak

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Khorshid, Pejman; Plasma Physics Research Center, Islamic Azad University, 14665-678, Tehran; Wang, L.

2006-12-04

In the edge plasma of the CT-6B and IRAN-T1 tokamaks the shape of plasma column based on MHD behavior has been studied. The bulk of plasma behavior during plasma column rotation as non-rigid body plasma has been investigated. We found that mode number and rotation frequency of plasma column are different in angle position, so that the mode number detected from Mirnov coils array located in poloidal angle on the inner side of chamber is more than outer side which it can be because of toroidal magnetic field effects. The results of IR-T1 and CT-6B tokamaks compared with each other,more » so that in the CT-6B because of its coils number must be less, but because of its Iron core the effect of toroidal magnetic field became more effective with respect to IR-T1. In addition, it is shown that the plasma column behaves as non-Rigid body plasma so that the poloidal rotation velocity variation in CT-6B is more than IR-T1. A relative correction for island rotation frequency has been suggested in connection with IRAN-T1 and CT-6B tokamak results, which can be considered for optical measurement purposes and also for future advanced tokamak control design.« less

Toroidal rotation and ion heating during neutral beam injection in PBX-M

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asakura, N.; Fonck, R. J.; Jaehnig, K. P.; Kaye, S. M.; LeBlanc, B.; Okabayashi, M.

1993-08-01

Determination of the profiles of the ion temperature and the plasma toroidal rotation has been accomplished by charge exchange recombination spectroscopy in PBX-M. The angular momentum and the thermal ion energy transport have been studied mainly during the H mode phase of a high βp discharge (Ip approx 330 kA, 3.5 × 1019 <= ne <= 6.5 × 1019 m-3) having different heating beam configurations (combination of two perpendicular and two tangential neutral beam injections, abbreviated as 2 perp. NBI and 2 parall. NBI). The toroidal rotation velocity Vphi rises substantially in the region of r/a >= 0.5 after the L-H transition, and the Vphi profile (peakedness) is more highly dependent on the beam configuration than the Ti profile. The angular momentum confinement time varies from 147 ms (rigid rotation for 2 perp. NBI) to 39 ms (viscous rotation for 2 parall. NBI). In contrast, the thermal energy confinement time is 44-48 ms and is almost independent of the configuration. The transport analysis shows that the radial angular momentum diffusion is caused mainly by the viscous losses and that the angular momentum diffusivity χphi is reduced substantially in the outer minor radius region during the 2 perp. NBI H mode. The neoclassical friction effect between the bulk ions and the impurities may influence the χphi profiles locally, where the ion temperature gradient is steep

Advances in the simulation of toroidal gyro-Landau fluid model turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waltz, R. E.; Kerbel, G. D.; Milovich, J.; Hammett, G. W.

1995-06-01

The gyro-Landau fluid (GLF) model equations for toroidal geometry [R. E. Waltz, R. R. Dominguez, and G. W. Hammett, Phys. Fluids B 4, 3138 (1992)] have been recently applied to study ion temperature gradient (ITG) mode turbulence using the three-dimensional (3-D) nonlinear ballooning mode representation (BMR) outlined earlier [R. E. Waltz, G. D. Kerbel, and J. Milovich, Phys. Plasmas 1, 2229 (1994)]. The present paper extends this work by treating some unresolved issues concerning ITG turbulence with adiabatic electrons. Although eddies are highly elongated in the radial direction, long time radial correlation lengths are short and comparable to poloidal lengths. Although transport at vanishing shear is not particularly large, transport at reverse global shear, is significantly less. Electrostatic transport at moderate shear is not much affected by inclusion of local shear and average favorable curvature. Transport is suppressed when critical E×B rotational shear is comparable to the maximum linear growth rate with only a weak dependence on magnetic shear. Self-consistent turbulent transport of toroidal momentum can result in a transport bifurcation at sufficiently large r/(Rq). However, the main thrust of the new formulation in the paper deals with advances in the development of finite beta GLF models with trapped electrons and BMR numerical methods for treating the fast parallel field motion of the untrapped electrons.

Nonlinear Plasma Response to Resonant Magnetic Perturbation in Rutherford Regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Ping; Yan, Xingting; Huang, Wenlong

2017-10-01

Recently a common analytic relation for both the locked mode and the nonlinear plasma response in the Rutherford regime has been developed based on the steady-state solution to the coupled dynamic system of magnetic island evolution and torque balance equations. The analytic relation predicts the threshold and the island size for the full penetration of resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP). It also rigorously proves a screening effect of the equilibrium toroidal flow. In this work, we test the theory by solving for the nonlinear plasma response to a single-helicity RMP of a circular-shaped limiter tokamak equilibrium with a constant toroidal flow, using the initial-value, full MHD simulation code NIMROD. Time evolution of the parallel flow or ``slip frequency'' profile and its asymptotic approach to steady state obtained from the NIMROD simulations qualitatively agree with the theory predictions. Further comparisons are carried out for the saturated island size, the threshold for full mode penetration, as well as the screening effects of equilibrium toroidal flow in order to understand the physics of nonlinear plasma response in the Rutherford regime. Supported by National Magnetic Confinement Fusion Science Program of China Grants 2014GB124002 and 2015GB101004, the 100 Talent Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and U.S. Department of Energy Grants DE-FG02-86ER53218 and DE-FC02-08ER54975.

Avoidance of tearing mode locking with electro-magnetic torque introduced by feedback-based mode rotation control in DIII-D and RFX-mod

DOE PAGES

Okabayashi, M.; Zanca, P.; Strait, E. J.; ...

2016-11-25

Disruptions caused by tearing modes (TMs) are considered to be one of the most critical roadblocks to achieving reliable, steady-state operation of tokamak fusion reactors. We have demonstrated a promising scheme to avoid mode locking by utilizing the electro-magnetic (EM) torque produced with 3D coils that are available in many tokamaks. In this scheme, the EM torque is delivered to the modes by a toroidal phase shift between the externally applied field and the excited TM fields, compensating for the mode momentum loss through the interaction with the resistive wall and uncorrected error fields. Fine control of torque balance ismore » provided by a feedback scheme. We have explored this approach in two widely different devices and plasma conditions: DIII-D and RFX-mod operated in tokamak mode. In DIII-D, the plasma target was high β N in a non-circular divertor tokamak. We define β N as β N = β/(I p /aB t) (%Tm/MA), where β, I p, a, B t are the total stored plasma pressure normalized by the magnetic pressure, plasma current, plasma minor radius and toroidal magnetic field at the plasma center, respectively. The RFX-mod plasma was ohmically-heated with ultra-low safety factor in a circular limiter discharge with active feedback coils outside the thick resistive shell. The DIII-D and RFX-mod experiments showed remarkable consistency with theoretical predictions of torque balance. The application to ignition-oriented devices such as the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) would expand the horizon of its operational regime. Finally, the internal 3D coil set currently under consideration for edge localized mode suppression in ITER would be well suited for this purpose.« less

Avoidance of tearing mode locking with electro-magnetic torque introduced by feedback-based mode rotation control in DIII-D and RFX-mod

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okabayashi, M.; Zanca, P.; Strait, E. J.; Garofalo, A. M.; Hanson, J. M.; In, Y.; La Haye, R. J.; Marrelli, L.; Martin, P.; Paccagnella, R.; Paz-Soldan, C.; Piovesan, P.; Piron, C.; Piron, L.; Shiraki, D.; Volpe, F. A.; DIII-D, The; RFX-mod Teams

2017-01-01

Disruptions caused by tearing modes (TMs) are considered to be one of the most critical roadblocks to achieving reliable, steady-state operation of tokamak fusion reactors. Here we have demonstrated a promising scheme to avoid mode locking by utilizing the electro-magnetic (EM) torque produced with 3D coils that are available in many tokamaks. In this scheme, the EM torque is delivered to the modes by a toroidal phase shift between the externally applied field and the excited TM fields, compensating for the mode momentum loss through the interaction with the resistive wall and uncorrected error fields. Fine control of torque balance is provided by a feedback scheme. We have explored this approach in two widely different devices and plasma conditions: DIII-D and RFX-mod operated in tokamak mode. In DIII-D, the plasma target was high β N in a non-circular divertor tokamak. Here β N is defined as β N  =  β/(I p /aB t) (%Tm/MA), where β, I p, a, B t are the total stored plasma pressure normalized by the magnetic pressure, plasma current, plasma minor radius and toroidal magnetic field at the plasma center, respectively. The RFX-mod plasma was ohmically-heated with ultra-low safety factor in a circular limiter discharge with active feedback coils outside the thick resistive shell. The DIII-D and RFX-mod experiments showed remarkable consistency with theoretical predictions of torque balance. The application to ignition-oriented devices such as the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) would expand the horizon of its operational regime. The internal 3D coil set currently under consideration for edge localized mode suppression in ITER would be well suited for this purpose.

Rotation in a reversed field pinch with active feedback stabilization of resistive wall modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cecconello, M.; Menmuir, S.; Brunsell, P. R.; Kuldkepp, M.

2006-09-01

Active feedback stabilization of multiple resistive wall modes (RWMs) has been successfully proven in the EXTRAP T2R reversed field pinch. One of the features of plasma discharges operated with active feedback stabilization, in addition to the prolongation of the plasma discharge, is the sustainment of the plasma rotation. Sustained rotation is observed both for the internally resonant tearing modes (TMs) and the intrinsic impurity oxygen ions. Good quantitative agreement between the toroidal rotation velocities of both is found: the toroidal rotation is characterized by an acceleration phase followed, after one wall time, by a deceleration phase that is slower than in standard discharges. The TMs and the impurity ions rotate in the same poloidal direction with also similar velocities. Poloidal and toroidal velocities have comparable amplitudes and a simple model of their radial profile reproduces the main features of the helical angular phase velocity. RWMs feedback does not qualitatively change the TMs behaviour and typical phenomena such as the dynamo and the 'slinky' are still observed. The improved sustainment of the plasma and TMs rotation occurs also when feedback only acts on internally non-resonant RWMs. This may be due to an indirect positive effect, through non-linear coupling between TMs and RWMs, of feedback on the TMs or to a reduced plasma-wall interaction affecting the plasma flow rotation. Electromagnetic torque calculations show that with active feedback stabilization the TMs amplitude remains well below the locking threshold condition for a thick shell. Finally, it is suggested that active feedback stabilization of RWMs and current profile control techniques can be employed simultaneously thus improving both the plasma duration and its confinement properties.

Toroidal Alfvén eigenmode triggered by trapped anisotropic energetic particles in a toroidal resistive plasma with free boundary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, S. X.; Hao, G. Z.; Liu, Y. Q.; Wang, Z. X.; Hu, Y. J.; Zhu, J. X.; He, H. D.; Wang, A. K.

2018-04-01

The toroidal Alfvén eigenmode (TAE), excited by trapped energetic particles (EPs), is numerically investigated in a tokamak plasma, using the non-perturbative magnetohydrodynamic-kinetic hybrid formulation based MARS-K code (Liu et al 2008 Phys. Plasmas 15 112503). Compared with the fixed boundary condition at the plasma edge, a free boundary enhances the critical value of the EPs kinetic contribution for driving the TAE. Free boundary also induces finite perturbations at the plasma edge as expected. An anisotropic distribution of EPs, in the particle pitch angle space, strongly enhances the instability and results in a more global mode structure, compared with the isotropic case. The plasma resistivity is also found to play a role in the EPs-destabilized TAE. In particular, the mode stability domain is mapped out, in the 2D parameter space of the plasma resistivity and a quantity defining the width of the particle distribution in pitch angle (for anisotropic distribution). A resonance layer in the poloidal mode structure, with the layer width increasing with the plasma resistivity, appears at the large width of the particle distribution in pitch angle space. A mode conversion, from the modified ideal kink by the EPs kinetic effect to the TAE, is also observed while increasing the birth energy of EPs. Computational results suggest that the TAE mode structure can be modified by certain key plasma parameters, such as the EPs kinetic contribution, the equilibrium pressure, the plasma resistivity, the distribution of EPs, as well as the birth energy of EPs. Such modification of the eigenmode structure can only be obtained following the non-perturbative hybrid approach (Wang et al 2013 Phys. Rev. Lett. 111 145003, Wang et al 2015 Phys. Plasmas 22 022509), as adopted in this study. More importantly, numerical results show that near the marginal stability point, the dominant poloidal harmonics of the TAE overlap with each other, and are localized at the tip positions of the Alfvén continua. This kind of TAE structure in high beta plasma with unstable ideal kink is substantially different from that of the conventional TAE.

Low-Frequency Microinstabilities in Rotating Tokamak Plasmas.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Artun, Mehmet

1994-01-01

Low-frequency drift-type microinstabilities have often been suggested as the leading candidates to account for the anomalously large transport; observed in tokamak plasmas. The effects of sheared equilibrium flows on this important class of instabilities is systematically investigated in the present thesis. In particular, the analysis is carried out in two parts. In order to gain some insight into the key elements of this problem, the first part deals with the stability properties of the kinetic ion temperature gradient mode under the influence of parallel and perpendicular shear flows in a simplified sheared magnetic slab geometry. The eigenmode analysis is performed using a shooting code for long-wavelength modes (k_|rho _{i} << 1), and an integral eigenmode code for short-wavelength modes (k_ |rho_{i} ~ 1). Numerical results are cross-checked with analytical estimates in the fluid regime. While the differential analysis is mostly limited to ground state modes of the system--due to the requirement that the average perpendicular wavenumber be small--the integral eigenmode code has been used to calculate higher radial eigenmodes with confidence. New features observed through the introduction of shear flows are discussed. In the second part we present the shear flow generalization of the nonlinear electromagnetic gyrokinetic equation for realistic toroidal geometry. In accordance with the most natural choice for such studies, the coordinate frame is chosen to be shifted in velocity space and unchanged in configuration space. The natural equilibrium constraints of the toroidal problem limits the choice of the flow profile to that in which the angular velocity is a function of the flux surface. The general form of the gyrokinetic equation obtained is then used to derive the two-dimensional linear electrostatic eigenmode equation in circular toroidal geometry including trapped particle effects. In addition to magnetic trapping, electrostatic and centrifugal trapping are also found to play an important role here. A modified version of a finite element code is utilized to analyze shear flow effects on the trapped ion mode (TIM) in the long wavelength limit. Numerical results for fully coupled as well as single poloidal harmonic cases are presented. Implications of the results obtained in the present investigation are discussed and suggestions are given for future studies.

Effects of Density and Impurity on Edge Localized Modes in Tokamaks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Ping

2017-10-01

Plasma density and impurity concentration are believed to be two of the key elements governing the edge tokamak plasma conditions. Optimal levels of plasma density and impurity concentration in the edge region have been searched for in order to achieve the desired fusion gain and divertor heat/particle load mitigation. However, how plasma density or impurity would affect the edge pedestal stability may have not been well known. Our recent MHD theory modeling and simulations using the NIMROD code have found novel effects of density and impurity on the dynamics of edge-localized modes (ELMs) in tokamaks. First, previous MHD analyses often predict merely a weak stabilizing effect of toroidal flow on ELMs in experimentally relevant regimes. We find that the stabilizing effects on the high- n ELMs from toroidal flow can be significantly enhanced with the increased edge plasma density. Here n denotes the toroidal mode number. Second, the stabilizing effects of the enhanced edge resistivity due to lithium-conditioning on the low- n ELMs in the high confinement (H-mode) discharges in NSTX have been identified. Linear stability analysis of the experimentally constrained equilibrium suggests that the change in the equilibrium plasma density and pressure profiles alone due to lithium-conditioning may not be sufficient for a complete suppression of the low- n ELMs. The enhanced resistivity due to the increased effective electric charge number Zeff after lithium-conditioning provides additional stabilization of the low- n ELMs. These new effects revealed in our theory analyses may help further understand recent ELM experiments and suggest new control schemes for ELM suppression and mitigation in future experiments. They may also pose additional constraints on the optimal levels of plasma density and impurity concentration in the edge region for H-mode tokamak operation. Supported by National Magnetic Confinement Fusion Science Program of China Grants 2014GB124002 and 2015GB101004, the 100 Talent Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and U.S. Department of Energy Grants DE-FG02-86ER53218 and DE-FC02-08ER54975.

The inductive, steady-state sustainment of stable spheromaks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hossack, A. C.; Jarboe, T. R.; Morgan, K. D.; Sutherland, D. A.; Hansen, C. J.; Everson, C. J.; Penna, J. M.; Nelson, B. A.

2016-10-01

Inductive helicity injection current drive with imposed perturbations has led to the breakthrough of spheromak sustainment while maintaining stability. Sustained spheromaks show coherent, imposed plasma motion and low plasma-generated mode activity, indicating stability. Additionally, record current gain of 3.9 has been achieved with evidence of pressure confinement. The Helicity Injected Torus - Steady Inductive (HIT-SI) experiment studies efficient, steady-state current drive for magnetic confinement plasmas using a novel experimental method which is ideal for low aspect ratio, toroidal geometries and is compatible with closed flux surfaces. Analysis of surface magnetic probes indicates large n = 0 and 1 toroidal Fourier mode amplitudes and little energy in higher modes. Biorthogonal decomposition shows that almost all of the n = 1 energy is imposed by the injectors, rather than plasma-generated. Ion Doppler spectroscopy (IDS) measurements show coherent, imposed plasma motion of +/-2.5 cm in the region inside r 10 cm (a = 23 cm) and the size of the separate spheromak is consistent with that predicted by Imposed-dynamo Current Drive (IDCD). Coherent motion indicates that the spheromak is stable and a lack of plasma-generated n = 1 energy indicates that the maximum q is maintained below 1 for stability during sustainment.

Kinetic electromagnetic instabilities in an ITB plasma with weak magnetic shear

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, W.; Yu, D. L.; Ma, R. R.; Shi, P. W.; Li, Y. Y.; Shi, Z. B.; Du, H. R.; Ji, X. Q.; Jiang, M.; Yu, L. M.; Yuan, B. S.; Li, Y. G.; Yang, Z. C.; Zhong, W. L.; Qiu, Z. Y.; Ding, X. T.; Dong, J. Q.; Wang, Z. X.; Wei, H. L.; Cao, J. Y.; Song, S. D.; Song, X. M.; Liu, Yi.; Yang, Q. W.; Xu, M.; Duan, X. R.

2018-05-01

Kinetic Alfvén and pressure gradient driven instabilities are very common in magnetized plasmas, both in space and the laboratory. These instabilities will be easily excited by energetic particles (EPs) and/or pressure gradients in present-day fusion and future burning plasmas. This will not only cause the loss and redistribution of the EPs, but also affect plasma confinement and transport. Alfvénic ion temperature gradient (AITG) instabilities with the frequency ω_BAE<ω<ω_TAE and the toroidal mode numbers n=2{-}8 are found to be unstable in NBI internal transport barrier plasmas with weak shear and low pressure gradients, where ω_BAE and ω_TAE are the frequencies of the beta- and toroidicity-induced Alfvén eigenmodes, respectively. The measured results are consistent with the general fishbone-like dispersion relation and kinetic ballooning mode equation, and the modes become more unstable the smaller the magnetic shear is in low pressure gradient regions. The interaction between AITG activity and EPs also needs to be investigated with greater attention in fusion plasmas, such as ITER (Tomabechi and The ITER Team 1991 Nucl. Fusion 31 1135), since these fluctuations can be enhanced by weak magnetic shear and EPs.

Edge Currents and Stability in DIII-D

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Thomas, D M; Fenstermacher, M E; Finkenthal, D K

2004-12-01

Understanding the stability physics of the H-mode pedestal in tokamak devices requires an accurate measurement of plasma current in the pedestal region with good spatial resolution. Theoretically, the high pressure gradients achieved in the edge of H-mode plasmas should lead to generation of a significant edge current density peak through bootstrap and Pfirsh-Schl{umlt u}ter effects. This edge current is important for the achievement of second stability in the context of coupled magneto hydrodynamic (MHD) modes which are both pressure (ballooning) and current (peeling) driven. Many aspects of edge localized mode (ELM) behavior can be accounted for in terms of anmore » edge current density peak, with the identification of Type 1 ELMs as intermediate-n toroidal mode number MHD modes being a natural feature of this model. The development of a edge localized instabilities in tokamak experiments code (ELITE) based on this model allows one to efficiently calculate the stability and growth of the relevant modes for a broad range of plasma parameters and thus provides a framework for understanding the limits on pedestal height. This however requires an accurate assessment of the edge current. While estimates of j{sub edge} can be made based on specific bootstrap models, their validity may be limited in the edge (gradient scalelengths comparable to orbit size, large changes in collisionality, etc.). Therefore it is highly desirable to have an actual measurement. Such measurements have been made on the DIII-D tokamak using combined polarimetry and spectroscopy of an injected lithium beam. By analyzing one of the Zeeman-split 2S-2P lithium resonance line components, one can obtain direct information on the local magnetic field components. These values allow one to infer details of the edge current density. Because of the negligible Stark mixing of the relevant atomic levels in lithium, this method of determining j(r) is insensitive to the large local electric fields typically found in enhanced confinement (H-mode) edges, and thus avoids an ambiguity common to MSE measurements of B{sub pol}.« less

Edge Currents and Stability in DIII-D

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Thomas, D M; Fenstermacher, M E; Finkenthal, D K

2005-05-05

Understanding the stability physics of the H-mode pedestal in tokamak devices requires an accurate measurement of plasma current in the pedestal region with good spatial resolution. Theoretically, the high pressure gradients achieved in the edge of H-mode plasmas should lead to generation of a significant edge current density peak through bootstrap and Pfirsh-Schlueter effects. This edge current is important for the achievement of second stability in the context of coupled magneto hydrodynamic (MHD) modes which are both pressure (ballooning) and current (peeling) driven [1]. Many aspects of edge localized mode (ELM) behavior can be accounted for in terms of anmore » edge current density peak, with the identification of Type 1 ELMs as intermediate-n toroidal mode number MHD modes being a natural feature of this model [2]. The development of a edge localized instabilities in tokamak experiments code (ELITE) based on this model allows one to efficiently calculate the stability and growth of the relevant modes for a broad range of plasma parameters [3,4] and thus provides a framework for understanding the limits on pedestal height. This however requires an accurate assessment of the edge current. While estimates of j{sub edge} can be made based on specific bootstrap models, their validity may be limited in the edge (gradient scale lengths comparable to orbit size, large changes in collisionality, etc.). Therefore it is highly desirable to have an actual measurement. Such measurements have been made on the DIII-D tokamak using combined polarimetry and spectroscopy of an injected lithium beam. [5,6]. By analyzing one of the Zeeman-split 2S-2P lithium resonance line components, one can obtain direct information on the local magnetic field components. These values allow one to infer details of the edge current density. Because of the negligible Stark mixing of the relevant atomic levels in lithium, this method of determining j(r) is insensitive to the large local electric fields typically found in enhanced confinement (H-mode) edges, and thus avoids an ambiguity common to MSE measurements of B{sub pol}.« less

Ideal plasma response to vacuum magnetic fields with resonant magnetic perturbations in non-axisymmetric tokamaks

DOE PAGES

Kim, Kimin; Ahn, J. -W.; Scotti, F.; ...

2015-09-03

Ideal plasma shielding and amplification of resonant magnetic perturbations in non-axisymmetric tokamak is presented by field line tracing simulation with full ideal plasma response, compared to measurements of divertor lobe structures. Magnetic field line tracing simulations in NSTX with toroidal non-axisymmetry indicate the ideal plasma response can significantly shield/amplify and phase shift the vacuum resonant magnetic perturbations. Ideal plasma shielding for n = 3 mode is found to prevent magnetic islands from opening as consistently shown in the field line connection length profile and magnetic footprints on the divertor target. It is also found that the ideal plasma shielding modifiesmore » the degree of stochasticity but does not change the overall helical lobe structures of the vacuum field for n = 3. Furthermore, amplification of vacuum fields by the ideal plasma response is predicted for low toroidal mode n = 1, better reproducing measurements of strong striation of the field lines on the divertor plate in NSTX.« less

Projecting non-diffracting waves with intermediate-plane holography.

PubMed

Mondal, Argha; Yevick, Aaron; Blackburn, Lauren C; Kanellakopoulos, Nikitas; Grier, David G

2018-02-19

We introduce intermediate-plane holography, which substantially improves the ability of holographic trapping systems to project propagation-invariant modes of light using phase-only diffractive optical elements. Translating the mode-forming hologram to an intermediate plane in the optical train can reduce the need to encode amplitude variations in the field, and therefore complements well-established techniques for encoding complex-valued transfer functions into phase-only holograms. Compared to standard holographic trapping implementations, intermediate-plane holograms greatly improve diffraction efficiency and mode purity of propagation-invariant modes, and so increase their useful non-diffracting range. We demonstrate this technique through experimental realizations of accelerating modes and long-range tractor beams.

Quasilinear Line Broadened Model for Energetic Particle Transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghantous, Katy; Gorelenkov, Nikolai; Berk, Herbert

2011-10-01

We present a self-consistent quasi-linear model that describes wave-particle interaction in toroidal geometry and computes fast ion transport during TAE mode evolution. The model bridges the gap between single mode resonances, where it predicts the analytically expected saturation levels, and the case of multiple modes overlapping, where particles diffuse across phase space. Results are presented in the large aspect ratio limit where analytic expressions are used for Fourier harmonics of the power exchange between waves and particles, . Implemention of a more realistic mode structure calculated by NOVAK code are also presented. This work is funded by DOE contract DE-AC02-09CH11466.

Territorial characteristics of low frequency electrostatic fluctuations in a simple magnetized torus

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kaur, R.; Singh, R.; Sarada Sree, A.

2011-01-15

This paper presents an experimental investigation of turbulence in simple toroidal plasma devices without rotational transform. It is argued that Rayleigh-Taylor (flute interchange) mode may be one of the source mechanisms for the observed turbulence but is not sufficient to explain its observed global characteristics. Taking BETA device as an example, we show that pure Rayleigh-Taylor mode cannot explain (i) the observation of mode maximum at the location other than where density scale length is minimum, (ii) the comparable value of amplitude level of fluctuations in good curvature region, and (iii) the decrease in the mode amplitude with increasing magneticmore » field. Investigations have revealed that there exists not only poloidal plasma flow but also that it is sheared. Including this effect explains the first observation. However, modification brought about by velocity shear in the Rayleigh-Taylor mode still does not explain our second and third observations. We have taken an approach that since Rayleigh-Taylor is not excited in a good curvature region, it cannot be the source of turbulence there. Nor is it defensible to say that turbulence born in a bad curvature region is carried over through ExB rotation to the good curvature region. Consequently, we have invoked cross-field Simon-Hoh instability for this region. Experimental evidence supporting our proposal is presented. This paper concludes that toroidal devices have simultaneous existence of different self-consistent sources of turbulence in different regions of the device.« less

Resonant Transparency and Non-Trivial Non-Radiating Excitations in Toroidal Metamaterials

PubMed Central

Fedotov, V. A.; Rogacheva, A. V.; Savinov, V.; Tsai, D. P.; Zheludev, N. I.

2013-01-01

Engaging strongly resonant interactions allows dramatic enhancement of functionalities of many electromagnetic devices. However, resonances can be dampened by Joule and radiation losses. While in many cases Joule losses may be minimized by the choice of constituting materials, controlling radiation losses is often a bigger problem. Recent solutions include the use of coupled radiant and sub-radiant modes yielding narrow asymmetric Fano resonances in a wide range of systems, from defect states in photonic crystals and optical waveguides with mesoscopic ring resonators to nanoscale plasmonic and metamaterial systems exhibiting interference effects akin to electromagnetically-induced transparency. Here we demonstrate theoretically and confirm experimentally a new mechanism of resonant electromagnetic transparency, which yields very narrow isolated symmetric Lorentzian transmission lines in toroidal metamaterials. It exploits the long sought non-trivial non-radiating charge-current excitation based on interfering electric and toroidal dipoles that was first proposed by Afanasiev and Stepanovsky in [J. Phys. A Math. Gen. 28, 4565 (1995)]. PMID:24132231

Low edge safety factor operation and passive disruption avoidance in current carrying plasmas by the addition of stellarator rotational transform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandya, M. D.; ArchMiller, M. C.; Cianciosa, M. R.; Ennis, D. A.; Hanson, J. D.; Hartwell, G. J.; Hebert, J. D.; Herfindal, J. L.; Knowlton, S. F.; Ma, X.; Massidda, S.; Maurer, D. A.; Roberds, N. A.; Traverso, P. J.

2015-11-01

Low edge safety factor operation at a value less than two ( q (a )=1 /ι̷tot(a )<2 ) is routine on the Compact Toroidal Hybrid device with the addition of sufficient external rotational transform. Presently, the operational space of this current carrying stellarator extends down to q (a )=1.2 without significant n = 1 kink mode activity after the initial plasma current rise phase of the discharge. The disruption dynamics of these low edge safety factor plasmas depend upon the fraction of helical field rotational transform from external stellarator coils to that generated by the plasma current. We observe that with approximately 10% of the total rotational transform supplied by the stellarator coils, low edge q disruptions are passively suppressed and avoided even though q(a) < 2. When the plasma does disrupt, the instability precursors measured and implicated as the cause are internal tearing modes with poloidal, m, and toroidal, n, helical mode numbers of m /n =3 /2 and 4/3 observed on external magnetic sensors and m /n =1 /1 activity observed on core soft x-ray emissivity measurements. Even though the edge safety factor passes through and becomes much less than q(a) < 2, external n = 1 kink mode activity does not appear to play a significant role in the disruption phenomenology observed.

42GHz ECRH assisted Plasma Breakdown in tokamak SST-1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shukla, B. K.; Pradhan, S.; Patel, Paresh; Babu, Rajan; Patel, Jatin; Patel, Harshida; Dhorajia, Pragnesh; Tanna, V.; Atrey, P. K.; Manchanda, R.; Gupta, Manoj; Joisa, Shankar; Gupta, C. N.; Danial, Raju; Singh, Prashant; Jha, R.; Bora, D.

2015-03-01

In SST-1, 42GHz ECRH system has been commissioned to carry out breakdown and heating experiments at 0.75T and 1.5T operating toroidal magnetic fields. The 42GHz ECRH system consists of high power microwave source Gyrotron capable to deliver 500kW microwave power for 500ms duration, approximately 20 meter long transmission line and a mirror based launcher. The ECRH power in fundamental O-mode & second harmonic X-mode is launched from low field side (radial port) of the tokamak. At 0.75T operation, approximately 300 kW ECH power is launched in second harmonic X-mode and successful ECRH assisted breakdown is achieved at low loop_voltage ~ 3V. The ECRH power is launched around 45ms prior to loop voltage. The hydrogen pressure in tokamak is maintained ~ 1×10-5mbar and the pre-ionized density is ~ 4×1012/cc. At 1.5T operating toroidal magnetic field, the ECH power is launched in fundamental O-mode. The ECH power at fundamental harmonic is varied from 100 kW to 250 kW and successful breakdown is achieved in all ECRH shots. In fundamental harmonic there is no delay in breakdown while at second harmonic ~ 40ms delay is observed, which is normal in case of second harmonic ECRH assisted breakdown.

Overview of the HIT-SI3 spheromak experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hossack, A. C.; Jarboe, T. R.; Chandra, R. N.; Morgan, K. D.; Sutherland, D. A.; Everson, C. J.; Penna, J. M.; Nelson, B. A.

2017-10-01

The HIT-SI and HIT-SI3 spheromak experiments (a = 23 cm) study efficient, steady-state current drive for magnetic confinement plasmas using a novel method which is ideal for low aspect ratio, toroidal geometries. Sustained spheromaks show coherent, imposed plasma motion and low plasma-generated mode activity, indicating stability. Analysis of surface magnetic fields in HIT-SI indicates large n = 0 and 1 mode amplitudes and little energy in higher modes. Within measurement uncertainties all the n = 1 energy is imposed by the injectors, rather than being plasma-generated. The fluctuating field imposed by the injectors is sufficient to sustain the toroidal current through dynamo action whereas the plasma-generated field is not (Hossack et al., Phys. Plasmas, 2017). Ion Doppler spectroscopy shows coherent, imposed plasma motion inside r 10 cm in HIT-SI and a smaller volume of coherent motion in HIT-SI3. Coherent motion indicates the spheromak is stable and a lack of plasma-generated n = 1 energy indicates the maximum q is maintained below 1 for stability during sustainment. In HIT-SI3, the imposed mode structure is varied to test the plasma response (Hossack et al., Nucl. Fusion, 2017). Imposing n = 2, n = 3, or large, rotating n = 1 perturbations is correlated with transient plasma-generated activity. Work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Fusion Energy Sciences, under Award Number DE-FG02-96ER54361.

A model of energetic ion effects on pressure driven tearing modes in tokamaks

DOE PAGES

Halfmoon, M. R.; Brennan, D. P.

2017-06-05

Here, the effects that energetic trapped ions have on linear resistive magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) instabilities are studied in a reduced model that captures the essential physics driving or damping the modes through variations in the magnetic shear. The drift-kinetic orbital interaction of a slowing down distribution of trapped energetic ions with a resistive MHD instability is integrated to a scalar contribution to the perturbed pressure, and entered into an asymptotic matching formalism for the resistive MHD dispersion relation. Toroidal magnetic field line curvature is included to model trapping in the particle distribution, in an otherwise cylindrical model. The focus is onmore » a configuration that is driven unstable to the m/n = 2/1 mode by increasing pressure, where m is the poloidal mode number and n is the toroidal. The particles and pressure can affect the mode both in the core region where there can be low and reversed shear and outside the resonant surface in significant positive shear. The results show that the energetic ions damp and stabilize the mode when orbiting in significant positive shear, increasing the marginal stability boundary. However, the inner core region contribution with low and reversed shear can drive the mode unstable. This effect of shear on the energetic ion pressure contribution is found to be consistent with the literature. These results explain the observation that the 2/1 mode was found to be damped and stabilized by energetic ions in delta δf-MHD simulations of tokamak experiments with positive shear throughout, while the 2/1 mode was found to be driven unstable in simulations of experiments with weakly reversed shear in the core. This is also found to be consistent with related experimental observations of the stability of the 2/1 mode changing significantly with core shear.« less

A model of energetic ion effects on pressure driven tearing modes in tokamaks

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Halfmoon, M. R.; Brennan, D. P.

Here, the effects that energetic trapped ions have on linear resistive magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) instabilities are studied in a reduced model that captures the essential physics driving or damping the modes through variations in the magnetic shear. The drift-kinetic orbital interaction of a slowing down distribution of trapped energetic ions with a resistive MHD instability is integrated to a scalar contribution to the perturbed pressure, and entered into an asymptotic matching formalism for the resistive MHD dispersion relation. Toroidal magnetic field line curvature is included to model trapping in the particle distribution, in an otherwise cylindrical model. The focus is onmore » a configuration that is driven unstable to the m/n = 2/1 mode by increasing pressure, where m is the poloidal mode number and n is the toroidal. The particles and pressure can affect the mode both in the core region where there can be low and reversed shear and outside the resonant surface in significant positive shear. The results show that the energetic ions damp and stabilize the mode when orbiting in significant positive shear, increasing the marginal stability boundary. However, the inner core region contribution with low and reversed shear can drive the mode unstable. This effect of shear on the energetic ion pressure contribution is found to be consistent with the literature. These results explain the observation that the 2/1 mode was found to be damped and stabilized by energetic ions in delta δf-MHD simulations of tokamak experiments with positive shear throughout, while the 2/1 mode was found to be driven unstable in simulations of experiments with weakly reversed shear in the core. This is also found to be consistent with related experimental observations of the stability of the 2/1 mode changing significantly with core shear.« less

Verification of GENE and GYRO with L-mode and I-mode plasmas in Alcator C-Mod

DOE PAGES

Mikkelsen, D. R.; Howard, N. T.; White, A. E.; ...

2018-04-25

Here, verification comparisons are carried out for L-mode and I-mode plasma conditions in Alcator C-Mod. We compare linear and nonlinear ion-scale calculations by the gyrokinetic codes GENE and GYRO to each other and to the experimental power balance analysis. The two gyrokinetic codes' linear growth rates and real frequencies are in good agreement throughout all the ion temperature gradient mode branches and most of the trapped electron mode branches of the kyρs spectra at r/a = 0.65, 0.7, and 0.8. The shapes of the toroidal mode spectra of heat fluxes in nonlinear simulations are very similar for k yρ smore » ≤ 0.5, but in most cases GENE has a relatively higher heat flux than GYRO at higher mode numbers.« less

Verification of GENE and GYRO with L-mode and I-mode plasmas in Alcator C-Mod

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mikkelsen, D. R.; Howard, N. T.; White, A. E.

Here, verification comparisons are carried out for L-mode and I-mode plasma conditions in Alcator C-Mod. We compare linear and nonlinear ion-scale calculations by the gyrokinetic codes GENE and GYRO to each other and to the experimental power balance analysis. The two gyrokinetic codes' linear growth rates and real frequencies are in good agreement throughout all the ion temperature gradient mode branches and most of the trapped electron mode branches of the kyρs spectra at r/a = 0.65, 0.7, and 0.8. The shapes of the toroidal mode spectra of heat fluxes in nonlinear simulations are very similar for k yρ smore » ≤ 0.5, but in most cases GENE has a relatively higher heat flux than GYRO at higher mode numbers.« less

Numerical simulation of plasma response to externally applied resonant magnetic perturbation on the J-TEXT tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bicheng, LI; Zhonghe, JIANG; Jian, LV; Xiang, LI; Bo, RAO; Yonghua, DING

2018-05-01

Nonlinear magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations of an equilibrium on the J-TEXT tokamak with applied resonant magnetic perturbations (RMPs) are performed with NIMROD (non-ideal MHD with rotation, open discussion). Numerical simulation of plasma response to RMPs has been developed to investigate magnetic topology, plasma density and rotation profile. The results indicate that the pure applied RMPs can stimulate 2/1 mode as well as 3/1 mode by the toroidal mode coupling, and finally change density profile by particle transport. At the same time, plasma rotation plays an important role during the entire evolution process.

Bifurcation physics of magnetic islands and stochasticity explored by heat pulse propagation studies in toroidal plasmas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ida, K.; Kobayashi, T.; Yoshinuma, M.

Bifurcation physics of the magnetic island was investigated using the heat pulse propagation technique produced by the modulation of electron cyclotron heating. There are two types of bifurcation phenomena observed in LHD and DIII-D. One is a bifurcation of the magnetic topology between nested and stochastic fields. The nested state is characterized by the bi-directional (inward and outward) propagation of the heat pulse with slow propagation speed. The stochastic state is characterized by the fast propagation of the heat pulse with electron temperature flattening. The other bifurcation is between magnetic island with larger thermal diffusivity and that with smaller thermalmore » diffusivity. The damping of toroidal flow is observed at the O-point of the magnetic island both in helical plasmas and in tokamak plasmas during a mode locking phase with strong flow shears at the boundary of the magnetic island. Associated with the stochastization of the magnetic field, the abrupt damping of toroidal flow is observed in LHD. The toroidal flow shear shows a linear decay, while the ion temperature gradient shows an exponential decay. Lastly, this observation suggests that this flow damping is due to the change in the non-diffusive term of momentum transport.« less

Bifurcation physics of magnetic islands and stochasticity explored by heat pulse propagation studies in toroidal plasmas

DOE PAGES

Ida, K.; Kobayashi, T.; Yoshinuma, M.; ...

2016-07-29

Bifurcation physics of the magnetic island was investigated using the heat pulse propagation technique produced by the modulation of electron cyclotron heating. There are two types of bifurcation phenomena observed in LHD and DIII-D. One is a bifurcation of the magnetic topology between nested and stochastic fields. The nested state is characterized by the bi-directional (inward and outward) propagation of the heat pulse with slow propagation speed. The stochastic state is characterized by the fast propagation of the heat pulse with electron temperature flattening. The other bifurcation is between magnetic island with larger thermal diffusivity and that with smaller thermalmore » diffusivity. The damping of toroidal flow is observed at the O-point of the magnetic island both in helical plasmas and in tokamak plasmas during a mode locking phase with strong flow shears at the boundary of the magnetic island. Associated with the stochastization of the magnetic field, the abrupt damping of toroidal flow is observed in LHD. The toroidal flow shear shows a linear decay, while the ion temperature gradient shows an exponential decay. Lastly, this observation suggests that this flow damping is due to the change in the non-diffusive term of momentum transport.« less

Steady-state inductive spheromak operation

DOEpatents

Janos, Alan C.; Jardin, Stephen C.; Yamada, Masaaki

1987-01-01

The inductively formed spheromak plasma can be maintained in a highly stable and controlled fashion. Steady-state operation is obtained by forming the plasma in the linked mode, then oscillating the poloidal and toroidal fields such that they have different phases. Preferably, the poloidal and magnetic fields are 90.degree. out of phase.

Physics Basis for the Advanced Tokamak Fusion Power Plant ARIES-AT

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

S.C. Jardin; C.E. Kessel; T.K. Mau

2003-10-07

The advanced tokamak is considered as the basis for a fusion power plant. The ARIES-AT design has an aspect ratio of A always equal to R/a = 4.0, an elongation and triangularity of kappa = 2.20, delta = 0.90 (evaluated at the separatrix surface), a toroidal beta of beta = 9.1% (normalized to the vacuum toroidal field at the plasma center), which corresponds to a normalized beta of bN * 100 x b/(I(sub)P(MA)/a(m)B(T)) = 5.4. These beta values are chosen to be 10% below the ideal-MHD stability limit. The bootstrap-current fraction is fBS * I(sub)BS/I(sub)P = 0.91. This leads tomore » a design with total plasma current I(sub)P = 12.8 MA, and toroidal field of 11.1 T (at the coil edge) and 5.8 T (at the plasma center). The major and minor radii are 5.2 and 1.3 m, respectively. The effects of H-mode edge gradients and the stability of this configuration to non-ideal modes is analyzed. The current-drive system consists of ICRF/FW for on-axis current drive and a lower-hybrid system for off-axis. Tran sport projections are presented using the drift-wave based GLF23 model. The approach to power and particle exhaust using both plasma core and scrape-off-layer radiation is presented.« less

High-frequency coherent edge fluctuations in a high-pedestal-pressure quiescent H-mode plasma.

PubMed

Yan, Z; McKee, G R; Groebner, R J; Snyder, P B; Osborne, T H; Burrell, K H

2011-07-29

A set of high frequency coherent (HFC) modes (f=80-250 kHz) is observed with beam emission spectroscopy measurements of density fluctuations in the pedestal of a strongly shaped quiescent H-mode plasma on DIII-D, with characteristics predicted for kinetic ballooning modes (KBM): propagation in the ion-diamagnetic drift direction; a frequency near 0.2-0.3 times the ion-diamagnetic frequency; inferred toroidal mode numbers of n∼10-25; poloidal wave numbers of k(θ)∼0.17-0.4 cm(-1); and high measured decorrelation rates (τ(c)(-1)∼ω(s)∼0.5×10(6) s(-1)). Their appearance correlates with saturation of the pedestal pressure. © 2011 American Physical Society

Nonlinear MHD study on the influence of E×B flow in QH-mode plasma of DIII-D

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Feng; Huijsmans, Guido; Loarte, Alberto; Garofalo, Andrea; Solomon, Wayne; Nkonga, Boniface; Hoelzl, Matthias

2017-10-01

In QH-mode experiments with zero-net NBI torque show that there remains a finite E×B rotation in the pedestal region implying that a minimum E×B flow or flow shear is required for the plasma to develop the Edge Harmonic Oscillation (EHO), which is a saturated KPM (kink-peeling mode) characteristic of the QH-mode. To understand the roles of E×B flow and its shear in the saturation of KPMs, non-linear MHD simulations of DIII-D QH-mode plasmas including toroidal mode numbers n = 0 to 10 with different E×B rotation speed have been performed. These simulation show that ExB rotation strongly stabilizes high-n modes but destabilizes low-n modes (particularly the n =2 mode) in the linear growth phase, which is consistent experimental observations and previous linear MHD modelling. US DOE under DE-FC02-04ER54698.

Destabilization of low-n peeling modes by trapped energetic particles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hao, G. Z.; Wang, A. K.; Mou, Z. Z.

2013-06-15

The kinetic effect of trapped energetic particles (EPs), arising from perpendicular neutral beam injection, on the stable low-n peeling modes in tokamak plasmas is investigated, through numerical solution of the mode's dispersion relation derived from an energy principle. A resistive-wall peeling mode with m/n=6/1, with m and n being the poloidal and toroidal mode numbers, respectively, is destabilized by trapped EPs as the EPs' pressure exceeds a critical value β{sub c}{sup *}, which is sensitive to the pitch angle of trapped EPs. The dependence of β{sub c}{sup *} on the particle pitch angle is eventually determined by the bounce averagemore » of the mode eigenfunction. Peeling modes with higher m and n numbers can also be destabilized by trapped EPs. Depending on the wall distance, either a resistive-wall peeling mode or an ideal-kink peeling mode can be destabilized by EPs.« less

Whispering-Gallery-Mode Tunable Narrow-Band-Pass Filter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Savchenkov, Anatoliy; Iltchenko, Vladimir; Matsko, Andrey; Maleki, Lute

2004-01-01

An experimental tunable, narrow-band-pass electro-optical filter is based on a whispering-gallery resonator. This device is a prototype of tunable filters needed for the further development of reconfigurable networking wavelength-division multiplexers and communication systems that utilize radio-frequency (more specifically, microwave) subcarrier signals on optical carrier signals. The characteristics of whispering-gallery resonators that make them attractive for such applications include high tuning speed, compactness, wide tuning range, low power consumption, and compatibility with single-mode optical fibers. In addition, relative to Fabry-Perot resonators, these devices offer advantages of greater robustness and lower cost. As described in several prior NASA Tech Briefs articles, a whispering-gallery resonator is a spheroidal, disk-like, or toroidal body made of a highly transparent material. It is so named because it is designed to exploit whispering-gallery electromagnetic modes, which are waveguide modes that propagate circumferentially and are concentrated in a narrow toroidal region centered on the equatorial plane and located near the outermost edge. The experimental whispering-gallery tunable filter (see figure) is made from a disk of Z-cut LiNbO3 of 4.8-mm diameter and 0.17-mm thickness. The perimeter of the disk is rounded to a radius of curvature of 100 m. Metal coats on the flat faces of the disk serve as electrodes for exploiting the electro-optical effect in LiNbO3 for tuning. There is no metal coat on the rounded perimeter region, where the whispering-gallery modes propagate. Light is coupled from an input optical fiber into the whispering-gallery modes by means of a diamond prism. Another diamond prism is used to couple light from the whispering-gallery modes to an output optical fiber. This device is designed and operated to exploit transverse magnetic (TM) whispering- gallery modes, rather than transverse electric (TE) modes because the resonance quality factors (Q values) of the TM modes are higher. If Q values were not of major concern, it would be better to use the TE modes because the electro-optical shifts of the TE modes are 3 times those of the TM modes.

Thermonuclear instabilities and plasma edge transport in tokamaks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fulop, Tunde Maria

High-energy ions generated by fusion reactions in a burning fusion plasma may give rise to different types of wave instabilities. The present thesis investigates two types of such instabilities which recently have been observed in fusion experiments: the Toroidal Alfvén Eigenmode (TAE) instability and the magnetoacoustic cyclotron instability (MCI) which is predicted to give rise to ion cyclotron emission (ICE). The TAE instability may degrade the confinement of fusion-produced high energy alpha particles and adversely affect the possibilities of reaching ignition. The present work derives it generalized expression for the linear growth rate of the instability, by including the effects of finite orbit width and finite Larmor radius of energetic particles, as well as the effects of mode localization and the possible mode excitation by both passing and trapped energetic ions. ICE does not threaten the plasma performance, but it might be useful as a fast ion diagnostic. The ICE originates from the MCI involving fast magnetoacoustic waves driven unstable by toroidicity-affected cyclotron resonance with fast ions. In the present thesis a detailed numerical and analytical investigation of this instability is presented, that explains most of the experimental ICE features observed in JET and TFTR. Moreover, the radial and poloidal localization of the fast magnetoacoustic eigenmodes is investigated, including the effects of toroidicity, ellipticity, the presence of a subpopulation of high energy ions and various profiles of the bulk ion density. In a fusion reactor, the transport of the particles near the edge have a strong influence on the global confinement of the plasma. In the edge region, where neutral atoms and impurity ions are abundant and the temperature and density gradients are large, the assumptions of the standard neoclassical theory break down. In this thesis, we explore the effect of neutral particles on the ion flow shear in the edge region. Furthermore, the neoclassical transport theory in an impure, toroidally rotating plasma is extended to allow for steeper pressure and temperature gradients than are usually considered.

Broadening of the divertor heat flux footprint with increasing number of ELM filaments in NSTX

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahn, Joon-Wook

2014-10-01

We report on the broadening (narrowing) of the ELM heat flux footprint with increasing (decreasing) number of filamentary striations from in-depth thermography measurements in NSTX. Edge localized modes (ELMs) represent a challenge to future fusion devices, due to the high heat fluxes on plasma facing surfaces. One ameliorating factor has been that the divertor heat flux characteristic profile width (λq) has been observed to broaden with the size of ELM, as compared with the inter-ELM λq, which keeps the peak heat flux (qpeak) from increasing. In contrast, λq has been observed to narrow during ELMs under certain conditions in NSTX, for both naturally occurring and 3-D fields triggered ELMs. Fast thermographic measurements and detailed analysis demonstrate that the ELM λq increases with the number of observed filamentary striations, i . e . , profile narrowing (broadening) occurs when the number of striations is smaller (larger) than 3-4. With profile narrowing, qpeak at ELM peak times is inversely related (proportional) to λq (the ELM size), exacerbating the heat flux problem. Edge stability analysis shows that NSTX ELMs almost always lie on the current-driven kink/peeling mode side with low toroidal mode number (n = 1--5), consistent with the typical numbers of striations in NSTX (0-8) in comparison 10--15 striations are normally observed in intermediate-n peeling-ballooning ELMs, e.g., from JET. The NSTX characteristics may translate directly to ITER, which is also projected to lie on the low-n kink/peeling stability boundary. This work was supported by the U.S. DOE, Contract DE-AC05-00OR22725 (ORNL) and DE-AC02-09CH11466 (PPPL).

Deuterium charge exchange recombination spectroscopy from the top of the pedestal to the scrape off layer in H-mode plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haskey, S. R.; Grierson, B. A.; Stagner, L.; Burrell, K. H.; Chrystal, C.; Groebner, R. J.; Ashourvan, A.; Pablant, N. A.

2017-10-01

Recent completion of the thirty two channel main-ion (deuterium) charge exchange recombination spectroscopy (CER) diagnostic on DIII-D [J.L. Luxon, Nucl. Fusion 42 (2002) 614] enables detailed comparisons between impurity and main-ion temperature, density, and toroidal rotation. Sixteen sightlines cover the core of the plasma and another sixteen are densely packed towards the edge, providing high resolution measurements of the pedestal and steep gradient edge region of H-mode plasmas. The complexities of the Dα spectrum require fitting with a comprehensive model, as well as using iterative collisional radiative modeling to determine the underlying thermal deuterium ion properties. Large differences in the structure and magnitude of impurity (C6+) and main-ion (D+) toroidal rotation profiles are seen in the H-mode pedestal. Additionally the D+ temperature can be half the value of the C6+ temperature at the separatrix and shows more of a pedestal structure. Typically only the impurity properties are measured and the main-ion properties are either assumed to be the same, or inferred using neoclassical models, which require validation in the steep gradient region. These measured differences have implications for transport model validation, intrinsic rotation studies, pedestal stability, and the boundary conditions for scrape off layer and plasma material interactions studies.

Deuterium charge exchange recombination spectroscopy from the top of the pedestal to the scrape off layer in H-mode plasmas

DOE PAGES

Haskey, S. R.; Grierson, B. A.; Stagner, L.; ...

2017-10-25

Recent completion of the thirty two channel main-ion (deuterium) charge exchange recombination spectroscopy (CER) diagnostic on DIII-D enables detailed comparisons between impurity and main-ion temperature, density, and toroidal rotation. Sixteen sightlines cover the core of the plasma and another sixteen are densely packed towards the edge, providing high resolution measurements of the pedestal and steep gradient edge region of H-mode plasmas. The complexities of the D α spectrum require fitting with a comprehensive model, as well as using iterative collisional radiative modeling to determine the underlying thermal deuterium ion properties. Large differences in the structure and magnitude of impurity (Cmore » 6+) and main-ion (D +) toroidal rotation profiles are seen in the H-mode pedestal. Additionally the D + temperature can be half the value of the C 6+ temperature at the separatrix and shows more of a pedestal structure. Typically only the impurity properties are measured and the main-ion properties are either assumed to be the same, or inferred using neoclassical models, which require validation in the steep gradient region. Furthermore, these measured differences have implications for transport model validation, intrinsic rotation studies, pedestal stability, and the boundary conditions for scrape off layer and plasma material interactions studies.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Okabayashi, M.; Zanca, P.; Strait, E. J.

Disruptions caused by tearing modes (TMs) are considered to be one of the most critical roadblocks to achieving reliable, steady-state operation of tokamak fusion reactors. We have demonstrated a promising scheme to avoid mode locking by utilizing the electro-magnetic (EM) torque produced with 3D coils that are available in many tokamaks. In this scheme, the EM torque is delivered to the modes by a toroidal phase shift between the externally applied field and the excited TM fields, compensating for the mode momentum loss through the interaction with the resistive wall and uncorrected error fields. Fine control of torque balance ismore » provided by a feedback scheme. We have explored this approach in two widely different devices and plasma conditions: DIII-D and RFX-mod operated in tokamak mode. In DIII-D, the plasma target was high β N in a non-circular divertor tokamak. We define β N as β N = β/(I p /aB t) (%Tm/MA), where β, I p, a, B t are the total stored plasma pressure normalized by the magnetic pressure, plasma current, plasma minor radius and toroidal magnetic field at the plasma center, respectively. The RFX-mod plasma was ohmically-heated with ultra-low safety factor in a circular limiter discharge with active feedback coils outside the thick resistive shell. The DIII-D and RFX-mod experiments showed remarkable consistency with theoretical predictions of torque balance. The application to ignition-oriented devices such as the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) would expand the horizon of its operational regime. Finally, the internal 3D coil set currently under consideration for edge localized mode suppression in ITER would be well suited for this purpose.« less

Measurement of scrape-off-layer current dynamics during MHD activity and disruptions in HBT-EP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levesque, J. P.; Brooks, J. W.; Abler, M. C.; Bialek, J.; Byrne, P. J.; Hansen, C. J.; Hughes, P. E.; Mauel, M. E.; Navratil, G. A.; Rhodes, D. J.

2017-08-01

We report scrape-off layer (SOL) current measurements during magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) mode activity, resonant magnetic perturbations (RMPs), and disruptions in the High Beta Tokamak—Extended Pulse (HBT-EP) device. Currents are measured via segmented plasma current Rogowski coils, jumpers running toroidally between otherwise-isolated vessel sections, and a grounded electrode in the scrape-off layer. These currents strongly depend on the plasma’s major radius, and amplitude and phase of non-axisymmetric field components. SOL currents connecting through the vessel are seen to reach  ∼0.2{--}0.5 % of the plasma current during typical kink activity and RMPs. Plasma current asymmetries and scrape-off-layer currents generated during disruptions, which are commonly called halo currents, reach  ∼4 % of I p. Asymmetric toroidal currents between vessel sections rotate at tens of kHz through most of the current quench, then symmetrize once I p reaches  ∼30 % of its pre-disruptive value. Toroidal jumper currents oscillate between co- and counter-I p, with co-I p being dominant on average during disruptions. A relative increase in local plasma current measured by a segmented I p Rogowski coil correlates with counter-I p current in the nearest toroidal jumper. Measurements are interpreted in the context of two models that produce contrary predictions for the toroidal vessel current polarity during disruptions. Plasma current asymmetry measurements are consistent with both models, and SOL currents scale with plasma displacement toward the vessel wall. The design of an upcoming SOL current diagnostic and control upgrade is also briefly presented.

A Study of the Free Oscillations of the Earth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

MacDonald, Gordon J. F.; Ness, Norman F.

1961-01-01

Published observations on the toroidal oscillations of the earth are critically reviewed. A supplementary analysis of the record obtained by the Lamont strain seismometer is presented. Eleven toroidal modes are identified, and it is concluded that the periods are known to within 1 per cent. A perturbation scheme involving the ratio of the angular velocity of the earth to the resonant frequency is used in calculating the effects due to the rotation of the earth on the resonant frequency. The free oscillations are viewed as a superposition of traveling waves. In a nonrotating system two traveling waves combine to produce a stationary standing wave. In a rotating system, the rotation distinguishes between waves that travel in the direction of rotation and those that travel in the opposite direction. Rotation removes a degeneracy and results in a splitting of a spectral peak of order l into 2 times l plus 1 peaks. The fractional displacement in frequency for the lowest-order toroidal oscillations is 1/206 and of the same order as the Q of the peak, so that splitting will probably not be observed in the toroidal oscillations. Viewed locally, rotation causes a particle to precess about a direction parallel to the axis of rotation. This precession will cause a variation of amplitude with time if the motion is recorded by an instrument with an anisotropic response function. Care is therefore needed in studying the time decay of a given spectral peak. Rotation also couples the normal coordinates so that a motion that is initially purely horizontal will develop a vertical component. It is expected that vertical seismometers should record particle motion with the toroidal frequencies. The perturbations of the toroidal oscillations due to core-mantle interaction are treated in detail. An exact expression is obtained for the rate of energy dissipated by a finitely conducting plate oscillating across a magnetic field. The energy dissipated at the core-mantle boundary due to viscous and hydromagnetic coupling is shown to be insignificant as compared with the energy dissipated within the mantle. The toroidal magnetic field leaking into the lower mantle combines with the dipole field, resulting in a stress on the mantle, tending to stiffen the lower boundary. The stress is of sufficient magnitude to produce a displacement toward higher frequency in the lower-order toroidal oscillations. Observations on the (sub 0) T (sub 2) oscillations lead to an estimate of the toroidal magnetic field in the lower mantle. A calculation of elastic energy in the low-order oscillations suggests a value of 10 (sup 18) ergs per cycles per hour for the energy density at low frequencies in the Chilean earthquake. Each mode of oscillation has a characteristic radial distribution of elastic energy associated with it. This distribution determines which parts of the earth contribute most heavily in determining a particular resonant frequency. The distribution of energy for the lower 17 modes for a homogeneous and a Gutenberg model earth is calculated. The resonant frequencies for models of the earth based on the Gutenberg and Lehmann distribution of elastic properties are presented. It is shown that the Gutenberg model earth fits the observations more closely than the Lehmann model and that a slight alteration of the Gutenberg model gives a significantly better fit to the observations. The alteration involves a lower shear-wave velocity in the lower mantle while the Gutenberg velocity distribution is maintained in the upper mantle. Various studies of the earth's oscillations coupled with surface-wave investigations substantiate Gutenberg's hypothesis of a layer of low velocity in the upper mantle. The physical conditions required for the formation of a region of low velocity are examined in detail. The results confirm Birch's earlier statement that a temperature gradient in excess of 6 degrees to 7 degrees per kilometer is needed to produce a decrease in velocity. The low-velocity layer does not require that the temperature approach or exceed the melting temperature. If tile upper mantle is homogeneous, the region of lower velocity should commence at the base of the crust and extend to 150 kilometers under the oceans and about 100 kilometers under continental regions. The distribution of thermal conductivity and radioactivity consistent with the low-velocity layer is also considered.

Experimental studies of high-confinement mode plasma response to non-axisymmetric magnetic perturbations in ASDEX Upgrade

DOE PAGES

Suttrop, Wolfgang; Kirk, A.; Nazikian, R.; ...

2016-11-22

Here, the interaction of externally applied small non-axisymmetric magnetic perturbations (MP) with tokamak high-confinement mode (H-mode) plasmas is reviewed and illustrated by recent experiments in ASDEX Upgrade. The plasma response to the vacuum MP field is amplified by stable ideal kink modes with low toroidal mode number n driven by the H-mode edge pressure gradient (and associated bootstrap current) which is experimentally evidenced by an observable shift of the poloidal mode number m away from field alignment (m = qn, with q being the safety factor) at the response maximum. A torque scan experiment demonstrates the importance of the perpendicular electron flow for shielding of the resonant magnetic perturbation, as expected from a two-fluid MHD picture. Two significant effects of MP occur in H-mode plasmas at low pedestal collisionality,more » $$\

Threshold for the destabilisation of the ion-temperature-gradient mode in magnetically confined toroidal plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zocco, A.; Xanthopoulos, P.; Doerk, H.; Connor, J. W.; Helander, P.

2018-02-01

The threshold for the resonant destabilisation of ion-temperature-gradient (ITG) driven instabilities that render the modes ubiquitous in both tokamaks and stellarators is investigated. We discover remarkably similar results for both confinement concepts if care is taken in the analysis of the effect of the global shear . We revisit, analytically and by means of gyrokinetic simulations, accepted tokamak results and discover inadequacies of some aspects of their theoretical interpretation. In particular, for standard tokamak configurations, we find that global shear effects on the critical gradient cannot be attributed to the wave-particle resonance destabilising mechanism of Hahm & Tang (Phys. Plasmas, vol. 1, 1989, pp. 1185-1192), but are consistent with a stabilising contribution predicted by Biglari et al. (Phys. Plasmas, vol. 1, 1989, pp. 109-118). Extensive analytical and numerical investigations show that virtually no previous tokamak theoretical predictions capture the temperature dependence of the mode frequency at marginality, thus leading to incorrect instability thresholds. In the asymptotic limit , where is the rotational transform, and such a threshold should be solely determined by the resonant toroidal branch of the ITG mode, we discover a family of unstable solutions below the previously known threshold of instability. This is true for a tokamak case described by a local local equilibrium, and for the stellarator Wendelstein 7-X, where these unstable solutions are present even for configurations with a small trapped-particle population. We conjecture they are of the Floquet type and derive their properties from the Fourier analysis of toroidal drift modes of Connor & Taylor (Phys. Fluids, vol. 30, 1987, pp. 3180-3185), and to Hill's theory of the motion of the lunar perigee (Acta Math., vol. 8, 1886, pp. 1-36). The temperature dependence of the newly determined threshold is given for both confinement concepts. In the first case, the new temperature-gradient threshold is found to be rather insensitive to the temperature ratio i/Te$ , at least for i/Te\\lesssim 1$ , and to be a growing function of the density gradient scale for i/Te\\gtrsim 1$ . For Wendelstein 7-X, the new critical temperature gradient is a growing function of the temperature ratio. The importance of these findings for the assessment of turbulence in stellarators and low-shear tokamak configurations is discussed.

Location of the first plasma response to resonant magnetic perturbations in DIII-D H-mode plasmas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xiao, W. W.; Evans, T. E.; Tynan, G. R.

2016-04-27

The resonant location of the first plasma response to periodic toroidal phase flips of a Resonant Magnetic Perturbation (RMP) field is experimentally identified in the DIII-D tokamak using phase minima of the modulated plasma density and toroidal rotation relative to the RMP field. Furthermore, the plasma response coincides with the q=3 rational surface and electron fluid velocity null, which is consistent with simulations of the plasma response to the RMP field from a resistive Magnetohydrodynamics modeling. We also observe an asymmetric propagation of the particle and the momentum from the resonant location of the plasma response to the RMP intomore » to core and into the plasma edge.« less

Microinstability properties of negative magnetic shear discharges in the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor and DIII-D

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rewoldt, G.; Tang, W.M.; Lao, L.L.

1997-03-01

The microinstability properties of discharges with negative (reversed) magnetic shear in the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) and DIII-D experiments with and without confinement transitions are investigated. A comprehensive kinetic linear eigenmode calculation employing the ballooning representation is employed with experimentally measured profile data, and using the corresponding numerically computed magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equilibria. The instability considered is the toroidal drift mode (trapped-electron-{eta}{sub i} mode). A variety of physical effects associated with differing q-profiles are explained. In addition, different negative magnetic shear discharges at different times in the discharge for TFTR and DIII-D are analyzed. The effects of sheared toroidal rotation,more » using data from direct spectroscopic measurements for carbon, are analyzed using comparisons with results from a two-dimensional calculation. Comparisons are also made for nonlinear stabilization associated with shear in E{sub r}/RB{sub {theta}}. The relative importance of changes in different profiles (density, temperature, q, rotation, etc.) on the linear growth rates is considered.« less

Toroidal Alfvénic Eigenmodes Driven by Energetic Particles with Maxwell and Slowing-down Distributions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hou, Yawei; Zhu, Ping; Zou, Zhihui; Kim, Charlson C.; Hu, Zhaoqing; Wang, Zhengxiong

2016-10-01

The energetic-particle (EP) driven toroidal Alfvén eigenmodes (TAEs) in a circular-shaped large aspect ratio tokamak are studied using the hybrid kinetic-MHD model in the NIMROD code, where the EPs are advanced using the δf particle-in-cell (PIC) method and their kinetic effects are coupled to the bulk plasma through moment closures. Two initial distributions of EPs, Maxwell and slowing-down, are considered. The influence of EP parameters, including density, temperature and density gradient, on the frequency and the growth rate of TAEs are obtained and benchmarked with theory and gyrokinetic simulations for the Maxwell distribution with good agreement. When the density and temperature of EPs are above certain thresholds, the transition from TAE to energetic particle modes (EPM) occurs and the mode structure also changes. Comparisons between Maxwell and slowing-down distributions in terms of EP-driven TAEs and EPMs will also be presented and discussed. Supported by the National Magnetic Confinement Fusion Science Program of China Grant Nos. 2014GB124002 and 2015GB101004, and the Natural Science Foundation of China Grant No. 11205194.

Boundary condition for toroidal plasma flow imposed at the separatrix in high confinement JT-60U plasmas with edge localized modes and the physics process in pedestal structure formation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kamiya, K.; Honda, M.; Urano, H.

2014-12-15

Modulation charge eXchange recombination spectroscopy measurements with high spatial and temporal resolution have made the evaluation of the toroidal plasma flow of fully stripped carbon impurity ions (V{sub ϕ}{sup C6+}) in the JT-60U tokamak peripheral region (including, in particular, the separatrix) possible with a better signal-to-noise ratio. By comparing co- and counter-neutral beam injection discharges experimentally, we have identified the boundary condition of V{sub ϕ}{sup C6+} and radial electric field shear (∇E{sub r}) imposed at the separatrix in high confinement (H-mode) plasmas with edge localized modes (ELMs). The V{sub ϕ}{sup C6+} value at the separatrix is not fixed at zeromore » but varies with the momentum input direction. On the other hand, the ∇E{sub r} value is nearly zero (or very weakly positive) at the separatrix. Furthermore, the edge localized mode perturbation does not appear to affect both V{sub ϕ}{sup C6+} and ∇E{sub r} values at the separatrix as strongly as that in the pedestal region. The above experimental findings based on the precise edge measurements have been used to validate a theoretical model and develop a new empirical model. A better understanding of the physical process in the edge transport barrier (ETB) formation due to the sheared E{sub r} formation is also discussed.« less

Advances in understanding quiescent H-mode plasmas in DIII-Da)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burrell, K. H.; West, W. P.; Doyle, E. J.; Austin, M. E.; Casper, T. A.; Gohil, P.; Greenfield, C. M.; Groebner, R. J.; Hyatt, A. W.; Jayakumar, R. J.; Kaplan, D. H.; Lao, L. L.; Leonard, A. W.; Makowski, M. A.; McKee, G. R.; Osborne, T. H.; Snyder, P. B.; Solomon, W. M.; Thomas, D. M.; Rhodes, T. L.; Strait, E. J.; Wade, M. R.; Wang, G.; Zeng, L.

2005-05-01

Recent QH-mode research on DIII-D [J. L. Luxon et al., Plasma Physics and Controlled Nuclear Fusion Research 1996 (International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, 1987), Vol. I, p. 159] has used the peeling-ballooning modes model of edge magnetohydrodynamic stability as a working hypothesis to organize the data; several predictions of this theory are consistent with the experimental results. Current ramping results indicate that QH modes operate near the edge current limit set by peeling modes. This operating point explains why QH mode is easier to get at lower plasma currents. Power scans have shown a saturation of edge pressure with increasing power input. This allows QH-mode plasmas to remain stable to edge localized modes (ELMs) to the highest powers used in DIII-D. At present, the mechanism for this saturation is unknown; if the edge harmonic oscillation (EHO) is playing a role here, the physics is not a simple amplitude dependence. The increase in edge stability with plasma triangularity predicted by the peeling-ballooning theory is consistent with the substantial improvement in pedestal pressure achieved by changing the plasma shape from a single null divertor to a high triangularity double null. Detailed ELITE calculations for the high triangularity plasmas have demonstrated that the plasma operating point is marginally stable to peeling-ballooning modes. Comparison of ELMing, coinjected and quiescent, counterinjected discharges with the same shape, current, toroidal field, electron density, and electron temperature indicates that the edge radial electric field or the edge toroidal rotation are also playing a role in edge stability. The EHO produces electron, main ion, and impurity particle transport at the plasma edge which is more rapid than that produced by ELMs under similar conditions. The EHO also decreases the edge rotation while producing little change in the edge electron and ion temperatures. Other edge electromagnetic modes also produce particle transport; this includes the incoherent, broadband activity seen at high triangularity. Pedestal values of ν* and βT bracketing, those required for International Experimental Thermonuclear Reactor [Nucl. Fusion 39, 2137 (1999)] have been achieved in DIII-D, demonstrating the QH-mode edge densities are sufficient for future devices.

Advances in understanding quiescent H-mode plasmas in DIII-D

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Burrell, K.H.; West, W.P.; Gohil, P.

2005-05-15

Recent QH-mode research on DIII-D [J. L. Luxon et al., Plasma Physics and Controlled Nuclear Fusion Research 1996 (International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, 1987), Vol. I, p. 159] has used the peeling-ballooning modes model of edge magnetohydrodynamic stability as a working hypothesis to organize the data; several predictions of this theory are consistent with the experimental results. Current ramping results indicate that QH modes operate near the edge current limit set by peeling modes. This operating point explains why QH mode is easier to get at lower plasma currents. Power scans have shown a saturation of edge pressure with increasingmore » power input. This allows QH-mode plasmas to remain stable to edge localized modes (ELMs) to the highest powers used in DIII-D. At present, the mechanism for this saturation is unknown; if the edge harmonic oscillation (EHO) is playing a role here, the physics is not a simple amplitude dependence. The increase in edge stability with plasma triangularity predicted by the peeling-ballooning theory is consistent with the substantial improvement in pedestal pressure achieved by changing the plasma shape from a single null divertor to a high triangularity double null. Detailed ELITE calculations for the high triangularity plasmas have demonstrated that the plasma operating point is marginally stable to peeling-ballooning modes. Comparison of ELMing, coinjected and quiescent, counterinjected discharges with the same shape, current, toroidal field, electron density, and electron temperature indicates that the edge radial electric field or the edge toroidal rotation are also playing a role in edge stability. The EHO produces electron, main ion, and impurity particle transport at the plasma edge which is more rapid than that produced by ELMs under similar conditions. The EHO also decreases the edge rotation while producing little change in the edge electron and ion temperatures. Other edge electromagnetic modes also produce particle transport; this includes the incoherent, broadband activity seen at high triangularity. Pedestal values of {nu}{sub *} and {beta}{sub T} bracketing, those required for International Experimental Thermonuclear Reactor [Nucl. Fusion 39, 2137 (1999)] have been achieved in DIII-D, demonstrating the QH-mode edge densities are sufficient for future devices.« less

Plasma-resistivity-induced strong damping of the kinetic resistive wall mode.

PubMed

He, Yuling; Liu, Yueqiang; Liu, Yue; Hao, Guangzhou; Wang, Aike

2014-10-24

An energy-principle-based dispersion relation is derived for the resistive wall mode, which incorporates both the drift kinetic resonance between the mode and energetic particles and the resistive layer physics. The equivalence between the energy-principle approach and the resistive layer matching approach is first demonstrated for the resistive plasma resistive wall mode. As a key new result, it is found that the resistive wall mode, coupled to the favorable average curvature stabilization inside the resistive layer (as well as the toroidal plasma flow), can be substantially more stable than that predicted by drift kinetic theory with fast ion stabilization, but with the ideal fluid assumption. Since the layer stabilization becomes stronger with decreasing plasma resistivity, this regime is favorable for reactor scale, high-temperature fusion devices.

3D toroidal physics: Testing the boundaries of symmetry breakinga)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spong, Donald A.

2015-05-01

Toroidal symmetry is an important concept for plasma confinement; it allows the existence of nested flux surface MHD equilibria and conserved invariants for particle motion. However, perfect symmetry is unachievable in realistic toroidal plasma devices. For example, tokamaks have toroidal ripple due to discrete field coils, optimized stellarators do not achieve exact quasi-symmetry, the plasma itself continually seeks lower energy states through helical 3D deformations, and reactors will likely have non-uniform distributions of ferritic steel near the plasma. Also, some level of designed-in 3D magnetic field structure is now anticipated for most concepts in order to provide the plasma control needed for a stable, steady-state fusion reactor. Such planned 3D field structures can take many forms, ranging from tokamaks with weak 3D edge localized mode suppression fields to stellarators with more dominant 3D field structures. This motivates the development of physics models that are applicable across the full range of 3D devices. Ultimately, the questions of how much symmetry breaking can be tolerated and how to optimize its design must be addressed for all fusion concepts. A closely coupled program of simulation, experimental validation, and design optimization is required to determine what forms and amplitudes of 3D shaping and symmetry breaking will be compatible with the requirements of future fusion reactors.

Feedback and Control of Linear and Nonlinear Global MHD Modes in Rotating Plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Finn, J. M.; Chacon, L.

2002-11-01

We present studies of feedback applied to resistive wall modes in the presence of plasma rotation. The main tool used is a Newton-Krylov nonlinear reduced resistive MHD code with completely implicit time stepping[1]. The effects of proportional and derivative gain and toroidal phase shift are investigated. In addition to studying the complete stabilization of the resistive wall mode, we present results on controlling the amplitude of nonlinear modes locked to the wall but propagating slowly; we also show results on reducing the hysteresis in the locking-unlocking bifurcation diagram. [1] L. Chacon, D. A. Knoll and J. M. Finn, "An implicit, nonlinear reduced resistive MHD solver", J. Comp. Phys. v. 178, pp 15-36 (2002).

Trigger mechanism for the abrupt loss of energetic ions in magnetically confined plasmas.

PubMed

Ida, K; Kobayashi, T; Yoshinuma, M; Akiyama, T; Tokuzawa, T; Tsuchiya, H; Itoh, K; Itoh, S-I

2018-02-12

Interaction between a quasi-stable stationary MHD mode and a tongue-shaped deformation is observed in the toroidal plasma with energetic particle driven MHD bursts. The quasi-stable stationary 1/1 MHD mode with interchange parity appears near the resonant rational surface of q = 1 between MHD bursts. The tongue-shaped deformation rapidly appears at the non-resonant non-rational surface as a localized large plasma displacement and then collapses (tongue event). It curbs the stationary 1/1 MHD mode and then triggers the collapse of energetic particle and magnetic field reconnection. The rotating 1/1 MHD mode with tearing parity at the q = 1 resonant surface, namely, the MHD burst, is excited after the tongue event.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Garnier, D. T.; Mauel, M. E.; Roberts, T. M.

Here, we report measurements of the turbulent evolution of the plasma density profile following the fast injection of lithium pellets into the Levitated Dipole Experiment (LDX) [Boxer et al., Nat. Phys. 6, 207 (2010)]. As the pellet passes through the plasma, it provides a significant internal particle source and allows investigation of density profile evolution, turbulent relaxation, and turbulent fluctuations. The total electron number within the dipole plasma torus increases by more than a factor of three, and the central density increases by more than a factor of five. During these large changes in density, the shape of the densitymore » profile is nearly “stationary” such that the gradient of the particle number within tubes of equal magnetic flux vanishes. In comparison to the usual case, when the particle source is neutral gas at the plasma edge, the internal source from the pellet causes the toroidal phase velocity of the fluctuations to reverse and changes the average particle flux at the plasma edge. An edge particle source creates an inward turbulent pinch, but an internal particle source increases the outward turbulent particle flux. Statistical properties of the turbulence are measured by multiple microwave interferometers and by an array of probes at the edge. The spatial structures of the largest amplitude modes have long radial and toroidal wavelengths. Estimates of the local and toroidally averaged turbulent particle flux show intermittency and a non-Gaussian probability distribution function. The measured fluctuations, both before and during pellet injection, have frequency and wave number dispersion consistent with theoretical expectations for interchange and entropy modes excited within a dipole plasma torus having warm electrons and cool ions.« less

Understanding disruptions in tokamaksa)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zakharov, Leonid E.; Galkin, Sergei A.; Gerasimov, Sergei N.; contributors, JET-EFDA

2012-05-01

This paper describes progress achieved since 2007 in understanding disruptions in tokamaks, when the effect of plasma current sharing with the wall was introduced into theory. As a result, the toroidal asymmetry of the plasma current measurements during vertical disruption event (VDE) on the Joint European Torus was explained. A new kind of plasma equilibria and mode coupling was introduced into theory, which can explain the duration of the external kink 1/1 mode during VDE. The paper presents first results of numerical simulations using a free boundary plasma model, relevant to disruptions.

A study of the electromagnetic interaction between planetary bodies and the solar wind

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schwartz, K.

1971-01-01

Theoretical and computational techniques were developed for calculating the time dependent electromagnetic response of a radially inhomogeneous moon. The techniques were used to analyze the experimental data from the LSM (lunar surface magnetometer) thus providing an in-depth diagnostic of the Lunar interior. The theory was also incorporated into an existing computer code designed to calculate the thermal evolution of planetary bodies. The program will provide a tool for examining the effect of heating from the TE mode (poloidal magnetic field) as well as the TM mode (toroidal magnetic field).

Impact of toroidal and poloidal mode spectra on the control of non-axisymmetric fields in tokamaks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lanctot, Matthew J.

2016-10-01

In several tokamaks, non-axisymmetric magnetic field studies show applied n=2 fields can lead to disruptive n=1 locked modes, suggesting nonlinear mode coupling. A multimode plasma response to n=2 fields can be observed in H-mode plasmas, in contrast to the single-mode response found in Ohmic plasmas. These effects highlight a role for n >1 error field correction in disruption avoidance, and identify additional degrees of freedom for 3D field optimization at high plasma pressure. In COMPASS, EAST, and DIII-D Ohmic plasmas, n=2 magnetic reconnection thresholds in otherwise stable discharges are readily accessed at edge safety factors q 3 and low density. Similar to previous studies, the thresholds are correlated with the ``overlap'' field for the dominant linear ideal MHD plasma mode calculated with the IPEC code. The overlap field measures the plasma-mediated coupling of the external field to the resonant field. Remarkably, the critical overlap fields are similar for n=1 and 2 fields with m >nq fields dominating the drive for resonant fields. Complementary experiments in RFX-Mod show fields with m 1 control, including the need for multiple rows of coils to control selected plasma parameters for specific functions (e.g., rotation control or ELM suppression). Optimal multi-harmonic (n=1 and n=2) error field control may be achieved using control algorithms that continuously respond to time-varying 3D field sources and plasma parameters. Supported by the US DOE under DE-FC02-04ER54698.

MHD modeling of DIII-D QH-mode discharges and comparison to observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

King, Jacob

2016-10-01

MHD modeling of DIII-D QH-mode discharges and comparison to observations Nonlinear NIMROD simulations, initialized from a reconstruction of a DIII-D QH-mode discharge with broadband MHD, saturate into a turbulent state, but do not saturate when flow is not included. This is consistent with the experimental results of the quiescent regime observed on DIII-D with broadband MHD activity [Garofalo et al., PoP (2015) and refs. within]. These ELM-free discharges have the normalized pedestal-plasma confinement necessary for burning-plasma operation on ITER. Relative to QH-mode operation with more coherent MHD activity, operation with broadband MHD tends to occur at higher densities and lower rotation and thus may be more relevant to ITER. The nonlinear NIMROD simulations require highly accurate equilibrium reconstructions. Our equilibrium reconstructions include the scrape-off-layer profiles and the measured toroidal and poloidal rotation profiles. The simulation develops into a saturated turbulent state and the n=1 and 2 modes become dominant through an inverse cascade. Each toroidal mode in the range of n=1-5 is dominant at a different time. The perturbations are advected and sheared apart in the counter-clockwise direction consistent with the direction of the poloidal flow inside the LCFS. Work towards validation through comparison to magnetic coil and Doppler reflectometry measurements is presented. Consistent with experimental observations during QH-mode, the simulated state leads to large particle transport relative to the thermal transport. Analysis shows that the phase of the density and temperature perturbations differ resulting in greater convective particle transport relative to the convective thermal transport. This work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science and the SciDAC Center for Extended MHD Modeling under Contract Numbers DE-FC02-06ER54875, DE-FC02-08ER54972 and DE-FC02-04ER54698.

Energetic particle transport and alpha driven instabilities in advanced confinement DT plasmas on TFTR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stratton, B. C.; Budny, R. V.; Darrow, D. S.; Fisher, R. K.; Fredrickson, E. D.; Fu, G. Y.; Medley, S. S.; Nazikian, R.; Petrov, M. P.; Redi, M. H.; Ruskov, E.; Taylor, G.; White, R. B.; Zweben, S. J.; TFTR Group

1999-09-01

The article reviews the physics of fusion alpha particles and energetic neutral beam ions studied in the final phase of TFTR operation, with an emphasis on observations in reversed magnetic shear (RS) and enhanced reversed shear (ERS) DT plasmas. Energy resolved measurements of the radial profiles of confined, trapped alphas in RS plasmas exhibit reduced core alpha density with increasing alpha energy, in contrast to plasmas with normal monotonic shear. The measured profiles are consistent with predictions of increased alpha loss due to stochastic ripple diffusion and increased first orbit loss in RS plasmas. In experiments in which a short tritium beam pulse is injected into a deuterium RS plasma, the measured DT neutron emission is lower than standard predictions assuming first orbit loss and stochastic ripple diffusion of the beam ions. A microwave reflectometer measured the spatial localization of low toroidal mode number (n), alpha driven toroidal Alfvén eigenmodes (TAEs) in DT RS discharges. Although the observed ballooning character of the n = 4 mode is consistent with predictions of a kinetic MHD stability code, the observed antiballooning nature of the n = 2 mode is not. Furthermore, the modelling does not show the observed strong dependence of mode frequency on n. These alpha driven TAEs do not cause measurable alpha loss in TFTR. Other Alfvén frequency modes with n = 2-4 seen in both DT and DD ERS and RS discharges are localized to the weak magnetic shear region near qmin. In 10-20% of DT discharges, normal low n MHD activity causes alpha loss at levels above the first orbit loss rate.

Feedforward and feedback control of locked mode phase and rotation in DIII-D with application to modulated ECCD experiments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Choi, W.; La Haye, R. J.; Lanctot, M. J.

The toroidal phase and rotation of otherwise locked magnetic islands of toroidal mode number n=1 are controlled in the DIII-D tokamak by means of applied magnetic perturbations of n=1. Pre-emptive perturbations were applied in feedforward to "catch" the mode as it slowed down and entrain it to the rotating field before complete locking, thus avoiding the associated major confinement degradation. Additionally, for the first time, the phase of the perturbation was optimized in real-time, in feedback with magnetic measurements, in order for the mode’s phase to closely match a prescribed phase, as a function of time. Experimental results confirm themore » capability to hold the mode in a given fixed-phase or to rotate it at up to 20 Hz with good uniformity. The controlcoil currents utilized in the experiments agree with the requirements estimated by an electromechanical model. Moreover, controlled rotation at 20 Hz was combined with Electron Cyclotron Current Drive (ECCD) modulated at the same frequency. This is simpler than regulating the ECCD modulation in feedback with spontaneous mode rotation, and enables repetitive, reproducible ECCD deposition at or near the island O-point, X-point and locations in between, for careful studies of how this affects the island stability. Current drive was found to be radially misaligned relative to the island, and resulting growth and shrinkage of islands matched expectations of the Modified Rutherford Equation for some discharges presented here. Finally, simulations predict the as designed ITER 3D coils can entrain a small island at sub-10 Hz frequencies.« less

Feedforward and feedback control of locked mode phase and rotation in DIII-D with application to modulated ECCD experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, W.; La Haye, R. J.; Lanctot, M. J.; Olofsson, K. E. J.; Strait, E. J.; Sweeney, R.; Volpe, F. A.; The DIII-D Team

2018-03-01

The toroidal phase and rotation of otherwise locked magnetic islands of toroidal mode number n  =  1 are controlled in the DIII-D tokamak by means of applied magnetic perturbations of n  =  1. Pre-emptive perturbations were applied in feedforward to ‘catch’ the mode as it slowed down and entrain it to the rotating field before complete locking, thus avoiding the associated major confinement degradation. Additionally, for the first time, the phase of the perturbation was optimized in real-time, in feedback with magnetic measurements, in order for the mode’s phase to closely match a prescribed phase, as a function of time. Experimental results confirm the capability to hold the mode in a given fixed-phase or to rotate it at up to 20 Hz with good uniformity. The control-coil currents utilized in the experiments agree with the requirements estimated by an electromechanical model. Moreover, controlled rotation at 20 Hz was combined with electron cyclotron current drive (ECCD) modulated at the same frequency. This is simpler than regulating the ECCD modulation in feedback with spontaneous mode rotation, and enables repetitive, reproducible ECCD deposition at or near the island O-point, X-point and locations in between, for careful studies of how this affects the island stability. Current drive was found to be radially misaligned relative to the island, and resulting growth and shrinkage of islands matched expectations of the modified Rutherford equation for some discharges presented here. Finally, simulations predict the as designed ITER 3D coils can entrain a small island at sub-10 Hz frequencies.

Feedforward and feedback control of locked mode phase and rotation in DIII-D with application to modulated ECCD experiments

DOE PAGES

Choi, W.; La Haye, R. J.; Lanctot, M. J.; ...

2018-02-05

The toroidal phase and rotation of otherwise locked magnetic islands of toroidal mode number n=1 are controlled in the DIII-D tokamak by means of applied magnetic perturbations of n=1. Pre-emptive perturbations were applied in feedforward to "catch" the mode as it slowed down and entrain it to the rotating field before complete locking, thus avoiding the associated major confinement degradation. Additionally, for the first time, the phase of the perturbation was optimized in real-time, in feedback with magnetic measurements, in order for the mode’s phase to closely match a prescribed phase, as a function of time. Experimental results confirm themore » capability to hold the mode in a given fixed-phase or to rotate it at up to 20 Hz with good uniformity. The controlcoil currents utilized in the experiments agree with the requirements estimated by an electromechanical model. Moreover, controlled rotation at 20 Hz was combined with Electron Cyclotron Current Drive (ECCD) modulated at the same frequency. This is simpler than regulating the ECCD modulation in feedback with spontaneous mode rotation, and enables repetitive, reproducible ECCD deposition at or near the island O-point, X-point and locations in between, for careful studies of how this affects the island stability. Current drive was found to be radially misaligned relative to the island, and resulting growth and shrinkage of islands matched expectations of the Modified Rutherford Equation for some discharges presented here. Finally, simulations predict the as designed ITER 3D coils can entrain a small island at sub-10 Hz frequencies.« less

Neoclassical transport in toroidal plasmas with nonaxisymmetric flux surfaces

DOE PAGES

Belli, Emily A.; Candy, Jefferey M.

2015-04-15

The capability to treat nonaxisymmetric flux surface geometry has been added to the drift-kinetic code NEO. Geometric quantities (i.e. metric elements) are supplied by a recently-developed local 3D equilibrium solver, allowing neoclassical transport coefficients to be systematically computed while varying the 3D plasma shape in a simple and intuitive manner. Code verification is accomplished via detailed comparison with 3D Pfirsch–Schlüter theory. A discussion of the various collisionality regimes associated with 3D transport is given, with an emphasis on non-ambipolar particle flux, neoclassical toroidal viscosity, energy flux and bootstrap current. As a result, we compute the transport in the presence ofmore » ripple-type perturbations in a DIII-D-like H-mode edge plasma.« less

Thermodynamic and kinetic control of charged, amphiphilic triblock copolymer assembly via interaction with organic counterions in solvent mixtures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Honggang

2007-12-01

Amphiphilic block copolymers, consisting of at least two types of monomers with different affinity to the dissolving solvent(s), have been recognized as a molecular building unit for their chemical tunability and design flexibility. Amphiphilic block copolymers with a chargeable block have structural features of polyelectrolytes, block copolymers and surfactants. The combination of these different features offers great flexibility for developing novel assembled morphologies at the nanoscale and outstanding ability to control and manipulate those morphologies. The nanostructures, formed from the spontaneous association of amphiphilic block copolymer in selective solvents, show promise for applications in nanotechnology and pharmaceuticals, including drug delivery, tissue engineering and bio-imaging. A basic knowledge of their modes of self-assembly and their correspondence to application-related properties is just now being developed and poses a considerable scientific challenge. The goal of this dissertation is to investigate the associative behavior of charged, amphiphilic block copolymers in solvent mixtures while in the presence of organic counterions. Self-assembly of poly (acrylic acid)- block-poly (methyl acrylate)-block-polystyrene (PAA- b-PMA-b-PS) triblock copolymers produces nanodomains in THF/water solution specifically through the interaction with organic counterions (polyamines). These assembled structures can include classic micelles (spheres, cylinders and vesicles), but, more importantly, include non-classic micelles (disks, toroids, branched micelles and segmented micelles). Each micelle structure is stable and reproducible at different assembly conditions. The assembled micellar structures depend on not only solution components (thermodynamics) but also mixing procedure and consequent self-assembly pathway (kinetics). The key factors that determine the thermodynamic interactions that partially define the assembled structures and the kinetic assembly process include THF/water ratio, PS block length, the type and amount of organic counterions, and the mixing pathway. Their formation mechanism has been investigated from three aspects: (i) the chain structure of organic counterions, including spacer length, chain hydrophobicity between ionizable groups and the number of ionizable groups (amine group); (ii) molecular structure of the triblock copolymer, including block length of polystyrene and chain architecture; (iii) relative variation of the components, such as different ratios of THF to water and the different ratios of amine groups to acid groups. The first example of a novel micelle formed was the toroidal micelle. The toroidal micelle morphology, which is theoretically predicted but rarely observed, has been produced by the self assembly of PAA99- b-PMA73-b-PS66 in combination with 2,2-(ethylenedioxy)diethylamine (EDDA) and mixed THF/H2O solvent. It was found that toroids can be constructed by two mechanisms: elimination of energetically unfavored cylindrical micelle endcaps or perforation of disk-like micelles. Three-fold junctions were formed as intermediate structures to facilitate toroidal formation from cylindrical micelles. In order to construct toroids from cylindrical micelles, three requirements must be met: lower bending modulus (flexibility of cylinders), selfattraction between cylinders, and extra endcapping energy originating from chain packing frustration. Extremely high energy spheres can also fuse into toroids. Disk-like micelles can transform into a toroidal morphology when cylindrical packing geometry was initiated along the rims of disk-like micelles via solvent mixing that eventually perforated the disk center. The toroidal morphology can be kinetically trapped by either ridding the system of organic solvent or chemically crosslinking the PAA corona with EDDA via addition of 1-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-3-ethylcarbodiimide methiodide (DPEM). The interaction of positively-charged, multivalent organic amines with the negatively-charged PAA corona plays a decisive role in the formation of these micelles. Inter-chain binding from the interaction of the two amine end groups of diamines with acid groups from different PAA corona blocks governs the final assembled structures. Diamines with hydrophilic spacers induced the formation of micelles with larger interfacial curvature as the spacer length increased. Disk-like micelles, cylindrical micelles or spherical micelles were observed with the gradual increase of hydrophilic spacer length. Diamines with variable hydrophobic spacers showed a similar effect when the spacer length was less than six methylene units. Application of longer hydrophobic diamines had a reverse effect on the interfacial curvature. This effect was attributed to the interaction of hydrophobic diamine hydrocarbon linking chains with the PMA-b-PS hydrophobic core. These findings indicate an easy method to tune micelle structure with multivalent organic counterions. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Plasma response to m/n  =  3/1 resonant magnetic perturbation at J-TEXT Tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Qiming; Li, Jianchao; Wang, Nengchao; Yu, Q.; Chen, Jie; Cheng, Zhifeng; Chen, Zhipeng; Ding, Yonghua; Jin, Hai; Li, Da; Li, Mao; Liu, Yang; Rao, Bo; Zhu, Lizhi; Zhuang, Ge; the J-TEXT Team

2016-09-01

The influence of resonant magnetic perturbations (RMPs) with a large m/n  =  3/1 component on electron density has been studied at J-TEXT tokamak by using externally applied static and rotating RMPs, where m and n are the poloidal and toroidal mode number, respectively. The detailed time evolution of electron density profile, measured by the polarimeter-interferometer, shows that the electron density n e first increases (decreases) inside (around/outside) of the 3/1 rational surface (RS), and it is increased globally later together with enhanced edge recycling. Associated with field penetration, the toroidal rotation around the 3/1 RS is accelerated in the co-I p direction and the poloidal rotation is changed from the electron to ion diamagnetic drift direction. Spontaneous unlocking-penetration circles occur after field penetration if the RMPs amplitude is not strong enough. For sufficiently strong RMPs, the 2/1 locked mode is also triggered due to mode coupling, and the global density is increased. The field penetration threshold is found to be linearly proportional to n eL (line-integrated density) at the 3/1 RS but to (n eL)0.73 for n e at the plasma core. In addition, for rotating RMPs with a large 3/1 component, field penetration causes a global increase in electron density.

Low to high confinement transition theory of finite-beta drift-wave driven shear flow and its comparison with data from DIII-D

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guzdar, P. N.; Kleva, R. G.; Groebner, R. J.; Gohil, P.

2004-03-01

Shear flow stabilization of edge turbulence in tokamaks has been the accepted paradigm for the improvement in confinement observed in high (H) confinement mode plasmas. Results on the generation of zonal flow and fields in finite β plasmas are presented. This theory yields a criterion for bifurcation from low to high (L-H) confinement mode, proportional to Te/√Ln , where Te is the electron temperature and Ln is the density scale-length at the steepest part of the density gradient. When this parameter exceeds a critical value (mostly determined by the strength of the toroidal magnetic field), the transition occurs. The predicted threshold based on this parameter shows good agreement with edge measurements on discharges undergoing L-H transitions in DIII-D [J. L. Luxon, R. Anderson, F. Batty et al., in Proceedings of the 11th Conference on Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion Research, 1986 (International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, 1987), Vol. I, p. 159]. The observed differences in the transitions with the reversal of the toroidal magnetic field are reconciled in terms of this critical parameter due to the differences in the density gradient scale-lengths in the edge. The theory also provides a possible explanation for lowered threshold power, pellet injection H modes in DIII-D, thereby providing a unified picture of the varied observations on the L-H transition.

Efficient pre-ionization by direct X-B mode conversion in VEST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jo, JongGab; Lee, H. Y.; Kim, S. C.; Kim, S. H.; An, Y. H.; Hwang, Y. S.

2017-01-01

Pre-ionization experiments with pure toroidal field have been carried out in VEST (Versatile Experiment Spherical Torus) to investigate the feasibility of direct XB mode conversion from perpendicular LFS (Low Field Side) injection for efficient pre-ionization. Pre-ionization plasmas are studied by measuring the electron density and temperature profiles with respect to microwave power and toroidal field strength, and 2D full wave cold plasma simulation using the COMSOL Multiphysics is performed for the comparison. It is experimentally figured out that exceeding the threshold microwave power (>3 kW), the parametric decay and localized collisional heating is observed near the UHR (Upper Hybrid Resonance), and the efficient XB mode conversion can be achieved in both short density scale length (Ln) and magnetic scale length (LB) region positioned at outboard and inboard sides, respectively. From the 2D full wave simulations, the reflection and tunneling of X-wave near the R-cutoff layer according to the measured electron density profiles are analyzed with electric field polarization and power flow. Threshold electric field and wave power density for parametric decay are evaluated at least more than 4.8 × 104 V/m and 100 W/cm2, respectively. This study shows that efficient pre-ionization schemes using direct XB mode conversion can be realized by considering the key factors such as Ln, LB, and transmitted wave power at the UHR. Application to Ohmic start-up experiment is carried out to confirm the effect of the pre-ionization schemes on tokamak plasma start-up in VEST.

Simple map in action-angle coordinates

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kerwin, Olivia; Punjabi, Alkesh; Ali, Halima

A simple map [A. Punjabi, A. Verma, and A. Boozer, Phys. Rev. Lett. 69, 3322 (1992)] is the simplest map that has the topology of divertor tokamaks [A. Punjabi, H. Ali, T. Evans, and A. Boozer, Phys. Lett. A 364, 140 (2007)]. Here, action-angle coordinates, the safety factor, and the equilibrium generating function for the simple map are calculated analytically. The simple map in action-angle coordinates is derived from canonical transformations. This map cannot be integrated across the separatrix surface because of the singularity in the safety factor there. The stochastic broadening of the ideal separatrix surface in action-angle representationmore » is calculated by adding a perturbation to the simple map equilibrium generating function. This perturbation represents the spatial noise and field errors typical of the DIII-D [J. L. Luxon and L. E. Davis, Fusion Technol. 8, 441 (1985)] tokamak. The stationary Fourier modes of the perturbation have poloidal and toroidal mode numbers (m,n,)=((3,1),(4,1),(6,2),(7,2),(8,2),(9,3),(10,3),(11,3)) with amplitude {delta}=0.8x10{sup -5}. Near the X-point, about 0.12% of toroidal magnetic flux inside the separatrix, and about 0.06% of the poloidal flux inside the separatrix is lost. When the distance from the O-point to the X-point is 1 m, the width of stochastic layer near the X-point is about 1.4 cm. The average value of the action on the last good surface is 0.19072 compared to the action value of 3/5{pi} on the separatrix. The average width of stochastic layer in action coordinate is 2.7x10{sup -4}, while the average area of the stochastic layer in action-angle phase space is 1.69017x10{sup -3}. On average, about 0.14% of action or toroidal flux inside the ideal separatrix is lost due to broadening. Roughly five times more toroidal flux is lost in the simple map than in DIII-D for the same perturbation [A. Punjabi, H. Ali, A. Boozer, and T. Evans, Bull. Amer. Phys. Soc. 52, 124 (2007)].« less

Simple map in action-angle coordinates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kerwin, Olivia; Punjabi, Alkesh; Ali, Halima

2008-07-01

A simple map [A. Punjabi, A. Verma, and A. Boozer, Phys. Rev. Lett. 69, 3322 (1992)] is the simplest map that has the topology of divertor tokamaks [A. Punjabi, H. Ali, T. Evans, and A. Boozer, Phys. Lett. A 364, 140 (2007)]. Here, action-angle coordinates, the safety factor, and the equilibrium generating function for the simple map are calculated analytically. The simple map in action-angle coordinates is derived from canonical transformations. This map cannot be integrated across the separatrix surface because of the singularity in the safety factor there. The stochastic broadening of the ideal separatrix surface in action-angle representation is calculated by adding a perturbation to the simple map equilibrium generating function. This perturbation represents the spatial noise and field errors typical of the DIII-D [J. L. Luxon and L. E. Davis, Fusion Technol. 8, 441 (1985)] tokamak. The stationary Fourier modes of the perturbation have poloidal and toroidal mode numbers (m,n,)={(3,1),(4,1),(6,2),(7,2),(8,2),(9,3),(10,3),(11,3)} with amplitude δ =0.8×10-5. Near the X-point, about 0.12% of toroidal magnetic flux inside the separatrix, and about 0.06% of the poloidal flux inside the separatrix is lost. When the distance from the O-point to the X-point is 1m, the width of stochastic layer near the X-point is about 1.4cm. The average value of the action on the last good surface is 0.19072 compared to the action value of 3/5π on the separatrix. The average width of stochastic layer in action coordinate is 2.7×10-4, while the average area of the stochastic layer in action-angle phase space is 1.69017×10-3. On average, about 0.14% of action or toroidal flux inside the ideal separatrix is lost due to broadening. Roughly five times more toroidal flux is lost in the simple map than in DIII-D for the same perturbation [A. Punjabi, H. Ali, A. Boozer, and T. Evans, Bull. Amer. Phys. Soc. 52, 124 (2007)].

Low-Frequency Waves in Cold Three-Component Plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Qiang; Tang, Ying; Zhao, Jinsong; Lu, Jianyong

2016-09-01

The dispersion relation and electromagnetic polarization of the plasma waves are comprehensively studied in cold electron, proton, and heavy charged particle plasmas. Three modes are classified as the fast, intermediate, and slow mode waves according to different phase velocities. When plasmas contain positively-charged particles, the fast and intermediate modes can interact at the small propagating angles, whereas the two modes are separate at the large propagating angles. The near-parallel intermediate and slow waves experience the linear polarization, circular polarization, and linear polarization again, with the increasing wave number. The wave number regime corresponding to the above circular polarization shrinks as the propagating angle increases. Moreover, the fast and intermediate modes cause the reverse change of the electromagnetic polarization at the special wave number. While the heavy particles carry the negative charges, the dispersion relations of the fast and intermediate modes are always separate, being independent of the propagating angles. Furthermore, this study gives new expressions of the three resonance frequencies corresponding to the highly-oblique propagation waves in the general three-component plasmas, and shows the dependence of the resonance frequencies on the propagating angle, the concentration of the heavy particle, and the mass ratio among different kinds of particles. supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 11303099, 41531071 and 41574158), and the Youth Innovation Promotion Association CAS

Instability in strongly magnetized accretion discs: a global perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Upasana; Begelman, Mitchell C.; Lesur, Geoffroy

2018-01-01

We examine the properties of strongly magnetized accretion discs in a global framework, with particular focus on the evolution of magnetohydrodynamic instabilities such as the magnetorotational instability (MRI). Work by Pessah & Psaltis showed that MRI is stabilized beyond a critical toroidal field in compressible, differentially rotating flows and, also, reported the appearance of two new instabilities beyond this field. Their results stemmed from considering geometric curvature effects due to the suprathermal background toroidal field, which had been previously ignored in weak-field studies. However, their calculations were performed under the local approximation, which poses the danger of introducing spurious behaviour due to the introduction of global geometric terms in an otherwise local framework. In order to avoid this, we perform a global eigenvalue analysis of the linearized MHD equations in cylindrical geometry. We confirm that MRI indeed tends to be highly suppressed when the background toroidal field attains the Pessah-Psaltis limit. We also observe the appearance of two new instabilities that emerge in the presence of highly suprathermal toroidal fields. These results were additionally verified using numerical simulations in PLUTO. There are, however, certain differences between the the local and global results, especially in the vertical wavenumber occupancies of the various instabilities, which we discuss in detail. We also study the global eigenfunctions of the most unstable modes in the suprathermal regime, which are inaccessible in the local analysis. Overall, our findings emphasize the necessity of a global treatment for accurately modelling strongly magnetized accretion discs.

Continuum absorption in the vicinity of the toroidicity-induced Alfvén gap

DOE PAGES

Li, M.; Breizman, B. N.; Zheng, L. J.; ...

2015-12-04

Excitation of Alfvén modes is commonly viewed as a concern for energetic particle confinement in burning plasmas. The 3.5 MeValpha particles produced by fusion may be affected as well as other fast ions in both present and future devices. Continuum damping of such modes is one of the key factors that determine their excitation thresholds and saturation levels. This work examines the resonant dissipative response of the Alfvén continuum to an oscillating driving current when the driving frequency is slightly outside the edges of the toroidicity-induced spectral gap. The problem is largely motivated by the need to describe the continuummore » absorption in the frequency sweeping events. Akey element of this problem is the negative interference of the two closely spaced continuum crossing points.Weexplain why the lower and upper edges of the gap can have very different continuum absorption features. Lastly, the difference is associated with an eigenmode whose frequency can be arbitrarily close to the upper edge of the gap whereas the lower edge of the gap is always a finite distance away from the closest eigenmode.« less

Experimental investigation of stability, frequency and toroidal mode number of compressional Alfvén eigenmodes in DIII-D

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, S.; Thome, K.; Pace, D.; Heidbrink, W. W.; Carter, T. A.; Crocker, N. A.; NSTX-U Collaboration; DIII-D Collaboration

2017-10-01

An experimental investigation of the stability of Doppler-shifted cyclotron resonant compressional Alfvén eigenmodes (CAE) using the flexible DIII-D neutral beams has begun to validate a theoretical understanding and realize the CAE's diagnostic potential. CAEs are excited by energetic ions from neutral beams [Heidbrink, NF 2006], with frequencies and toroidal mode numbers sensitive to the fast-ion phase space distribution, making them a potentially powerful passive diagnostic. The experiment also contributes to a predictive capability for spherical tokamak temperature profiles, where CAEs may play a role in energy transport [Crocker, NF 2013]. CAE activity was observed using the recently developed Ion Cyclotron Emission diagnostic-high bandwidth edge magnetic sensors sampled at 200 MS/s. Preliminary results show CAEs become unstable in BT ramp discharges below a critical threshold in the range 1.7 - 1.9 T, with the exact value increasing as density increases. The experiment will be used to validate simulations from relevant codes such as the Hybrid MHD code [Belova, PRL 2015]. This work was supported by US DOE Grants DE-SC0011810 and DE-FC02-04ER54698.

Numerical optimization of perturbative coils for tokamaks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lazerson, Samuel; Park, Jong-Kyu; Logan, Nikolas; Boozer, Allen; NSTX-U Research Team

2014-10-01

Numerical optimization of coils which apply three dimensional (3D) perturbative fields to tokamaks is presented. The application of perturbative 3D magnetic fields in tokamaks is now commonplace for control of error fields, resistive wall modes, resonant field drive, and neoclassical toroidal viscosity (NTV) torques. The design of such systems has focused on control of toroidal mode number, with coil shapes based on simple window-pane designs. In this work, a numerical optimization suite based on the STELLOPT 3D equilibrium optimization code is presented. The new code, IPECOPT, replaces the VMEC equilibrium code with the IPEC perturbed equilibrium code, and targets NTV torque by coupling to the PENT code. Fixed boundary optimizations of the 3D fields for the NSTX-U experiment are underway. Initial results suggest NTV torques can be driven by normal field spectrums which are not pitch-resonant with the magnetic field lines. Work has focused on driving core torque with n = 1 and edge torques with n = 3 fields. Optimizations of the coil currents for the planned NSTX-U NCC coils highlight the code's free boundary capability. This manuscript has been authored by Princeton University under Contract Number DE-AC02-09CH11466 with the U.S. Department of Energy.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Haskey, S. R.; Grierson, B. A.; Stagner, L.

Recent completion of the thirty two channel main-ion (deuterium) charge exchange recombination spectroscopy (CER) diagnostic on DIII-D enables detailed comparisons between impurity and main-ion temperature, density, and toroidal rotation. Sixteen sightlines cover the core of the plasma and another sixteen are densely packed towards the edge, providing high resolution measurements of the pedestal and steep gradient edge region of H-mode plasmas. The complexities of the D α spectrum require fitting with a comprehensive model, as well as using iterative collisional radiative modeling to determine the underlying thermal deuterium ion properties. Large differences in the structure and magnitude of impurity (Cmore » 6+) and main-ion (D +) toroidal rotation profiles are seen in the H-mode pedestal. Additionally the D + temperature can be half the value of the C 6+ temperature at the separatrix and shows more of a pedestal structure. Typically only the impurity properties are measured and the main-ion properties are either assumed to be the same, or inferred using neoclassical models, which require validation in the steep gradient region. Furthermore, these measured differences have implications for transport model validation, intrinsic rotation studies, pedestal stability, and the boundary conditions for scrape off layer and plasma material interactions studies.« less

NIMROD simulations and physics assessment of possible designs for a next generation Steady Inductive Helicity Injection HIT device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Penna, James; Morgan, Kyle; Grubb, Isaac; Jarboe, Thomas

2017-10-01

The Helicity Injected Torus - Steady Inductive 3 (HIT-SI3) experiment forms and maintains spheromaks via Steady Inductive Helicity Injection (SIHI) using discrete injectors that inject magnetic helicity via a non-axisymmetric perturbation and drive toroidally symmetric current. Newer designs for larger SIHI-driven spheromaks incorporate a set of injectors connected to a single external manifold to allow more freedom for the toroidal structure of the applied perturbation. Simulations have been carried out using the NIMROD code to assess the effectiveness of various imposed mode structures and injector schema in driving current via Imposed Dynamo Current Drive (IDCD). The results are presented here for varying flux conserver shapes on a device approximately 1.5 times larger than the current HIT-SI3 experiment. The imposed mode structures and spectra of simulated spheromaks are analyzed in order to examine magnetic structure and stability and determine an optimal regime for IDCD sustainment in a large device. The development of scaling laws for manifold operation is also presented, and simulation results are analyzed and assessed as part of the development path for the large scale device.

The folding pathways and thermodynamics of semiflexible polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Jing; Cheng, Chenqian; Liu, Gaoyuan; Zhang, Ping; Chen, Tao

2018-05-01

Inspired by the protein folding and DNA packing, we have systematically studied the thermodynamic and kinetic behaviors of single semiflexible homopolymers by Langevin dynamics simulations. In line with experiments, a rich variety of folding products, such as rod-like bundles, hairpins, toroids, and a mixture of them, are observed in the complete diagram of states. Moreover, knotted structures with a significant population are found in a certain range of bending stiffness in thermal equilibrium. As the solvent quality becomes poorer, the population of the intermediate occurring in the folding process increases, which leads to a severe chevron rollover for the folding arm. However, the population of the intermediates in the unfolding process is very low, insufficient to induce unfolding arm rollover. The total types of folding pathways from the coil state to the toroidal state for a semiflexible polymer chain remain unchanged by varying the solvent quality or temperature, whereas the kinetic partitioning into different folding events can be tuned significantly. In the process of knotting, three types of mechanisms, namely, plugging, slipknotting, and sliding, are discovered. Along the folding evolution, a semiflexible homopolymer chain can knot at any stage of folding upon leaving the extended coil state, and the probability to find a knot increases with chain compactness. In addition, we find rich types of knotted topologies during the folding of a semiflexible homopolymer chain. This study should be helpful in gaining insight into the general principles of biopolymer folding.

Extending SIESTA capabilities: removing field-periodic and stellarator symmetric limitations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cook, C. R.; Hirshman, S. P.; Sanchez, R.; Anderson, D. T.

2011-10-01

SIESTA is a three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamics equilibrium code capable of resolving magnetic islands in toroidal plasma confinement devices. Currently SIESTA assumes that plasma perturbations, and thus also magnetic islands, are field-periodic. This limitation is being removed from the code by allowing the displacement toroidal mode number to not be restricted to multiples of the number of field periods. Extending SIESTA in this manner will allow larger, lower-order resonant islands to form in devices such as CTH. An example of a non-field-periodic perturbation in CTH will be demonstrated. Currently the code also operates in a stellarator-symmetric fashion in which an ``up-down'' symmetry is present at some toroidal angle. Nearly all of the current tokamaks (and ITER in the future) operate with a divertor and as such do not possess stellarator symmetry. Removal of this symmetry restriction requires including both sine and cosine terms in the Fourier expansion for the geometry of the device and the fields contained within. The current status of this extension of the code will be discussed, along with the method of implementation. U.S. DOE Contract No. DE-AC05-00OR22725 with UT-Battelle, LLC.

Modeling Pc4 Pulsations in Two and a Half Dimensions with Comparisons to Van Allen Probes Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McEachern, Charles A.

Field line resonances---that is, Alfven waves bouncing between the northern and southern foot points of a geomagnetic field line---serve to energize magnetospheric particles through drift-resonant interactions, carry energy from high to low altitude, induce currents in the magnetosphere, and accelerate particles into the atmosphere. Wave structure and polarization significantly impact the execution these roles. The present work showcases a new two and a half dimensional code, Tuna, ideally suited to model FLRs, with the ability to consider large-but-finite azimuthal modenumbers, coupling between the poloidal, toroidal, and compressional modes, and arbitrary harmonic structure. Using Tuna, the interplay between Joule dissipation and poloidal-to-toroidal rotation is considered for both dayside and nightside conditions. An attempt is also made to demystify giant pulsations, a class of FLR knows for its distinctive ground signatures. Numerical results are supplemented by a survey of ˜700 FLRs using data from the Van Allen Probes, the first such survey to characterize each event by both polarization and harmonic. The combination of numerical and observational results suggests an explanation for the disparate distributions observed in poloidal and toroidal FLR events.

Probing the string winding sector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aldazabal, Gerardo; Mayo, Martín; Nuñez, Carmen

2017-03-01

We probe a slice of the massive winding sector of bosonic string theory from toroidal compactifications of Double Field Theory (DFT). This string subsector corresponds to states containing one left and one right moving oscillators. We perform a generalized Kaluza Klein compactification of DFT on generic 2 n-dimensional toroidal constant backgrounds and show that, up to third order in fluctuations, the theory coincides with the corresponding effective theory of the bosonic string compactified on n-dimensional toroidal constant backgrounds, obtained from three-point amplitudes. The comparison between both theories is facilitated by noticing that generalized diffeomorphisms in DFT allow to fix generalized harmonic gauge conditions that help in identifying the physical degrees of freedom. These conditions manifest as conformal anomaly cancellation requirements on the string theory side. The explicit expression for the gauge invariant effective action containing the physical massless sector (gravity+antisymmetric+gauge+ scalar fields) coupled to towers of generalized Kaluza Klein massive states (corresponding to compact momentum and winding modes) is found. The action acquires a very compact form when written in terms of fields carrying O( n, n) indices, and is explicitly T-duality invariant. The global algebra associated to the generalized Kaluza Klein compactification is discussed.

Microwave produced plasma in a Toroidal Device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, A. K.; Edwards, W. F.; Held, E. D.

2010-11-01

A currentless toroidal plasma device exhibits a large range of interesting basic plasma physics phenomena. Such a device is not in equilibrium in a strict magneto hydrodynamic sense. There are many sources of free energy in the form of gradients in plasma density, temperature, the background magnetic field and the curvature of the magnetic field. These free energy sources excite waves and instabilities which have been the focus of studies in several devices in last two decades. A full understanding of these simple plasmas is far from complete. At Utah State University we have recently designed and installed a microwave plasma generation system on a small tokamak borrowed from the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada. Microwaves are generated at 2.45 GHz in a pulsed dc mode using a magnetron from a commercial kitchen microwave oven. The device is equipped with horizontal and vertical magnetic fields and a transformer to impose a toroidal electric field for current drive. Plasmas can be obtained over a wide range of pressure with and without magnetic fields. We present some preliminary measurements of plasma density and potential profiles. Measurements of plasma temperature at different operating conditions are also presented.

Neoclassical Toroidal Viscosity Torque Induced by Plasma Response in a Low- β Tokamak with Edge Pedestal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Xingting; Zhu, Ping; Sun, Youwen

2016-10-01

The characteristic profile and magnitude are predicted in theory for the neoclassical toroidal viscosity (NTV) torque induced by the plasma response to the resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP) in a tokamak with an edge pedestal, using the newly developed module coupling the NIMROD and the NTVTOK codes. For a low β equilibrium, the NTV torque is mainly induced by the dominant toroidal mode of plasma response. The NTV torque profile is radially localized and peaked, which is determined by profiles of both the equilibrium temperature and the plasma response fields. In general, the peak of NTV torque profile is found to trace the pedestal location. The magnitude of NTV torque is extremely sensitive to the β of pedestal top; for a given plasma response, the peak value of NTV torque can increase by three orders of magnitude, when the pedestal β increases by only one order of magnitude. This suggests a more significant role of NTV torque in higher plasma β regimes. Supported by the National Magnetic Confinement Fusion Program of China under Grant Nos. 2014GB124002 and 2015GB101004, and the 100 Talent Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Effects of multi-pulsed coaxial helicity injection on dynamics of spherical torus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanki, T.; Nagata, M.; Kagei, Y.

2012-10-01

The mechanism to rebuild the magnetic fields and to amplify the currents in the high-q spherical torus (ST) by the multi-pulsed coaxial helicity injection is investigated using the resistive nonlinear 3D-MHD simulations. During the driven phase, the dynamics is almost axisymmetric because the magnetic fluctuation level of n=0 mode compared with other higher modes is much larger. The toroidal current It is effectively amplified due to the merging of plasmoid ejected from the gun region with the pre-existing ST in the confinement region. The poloidal flux is not significantly amplified because the current sheet generated by the merging process does not rapidly decay. The negative toroidal flow vt is then induced in the direction of It around the central open flux column (OFC) region by inductive toroidal electric field Et (=-vzBr) because of the plasmoid ejection. The strong poloidal flow vz (=ErBt) is also driven from the gun to confinement region due to the Lorentz force. As the result of vz, the flow vortices associated with the dynamo effect are caused around the upper confinement region. During the decay phase, the closed field lines are regenerated due to the dissipation of magnetic fluctuations. The helical distortion of the OFC becomes small, and then ordered magnetic field structures without flows are built. Just after turning off the external electric field, the poloidal flow from the confinement to gun region is caused by the pressure gradients. The parallel current density λ concentrated in the OFC diffuses to the core region, but does not relax in the direction of the Taylor state due to the pressure gradients.

Turbulent fluctuations during pellet injection into a dipole confined plasma torus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garnier, D. T.; Mauel, M. E.; Roberts, T. M.; Kesner, J.; Woskov, P. P.

2017-01-01

We report measurements of the turbulent evolution of the plasma density profile following the fast injection of lithium pellets into the Levitated Dipole Experiment (LDX) [Boxer et al., Nat. Phys. 6, 207 (2010)]. As the pellet passes through the plasma, it provides a significant internal particle source and allows investigation of density profile evolution, turbulent relaxation, and turbulent fluctuations. The total electron number within the dipole plasma torus increases by more than a factor of three, and the central density increases by more than a factor of five. During these large changes in density, the shape of the density profile is nearly "stationary" such that the gradient of the particle number within tubes of equal magnetic flux vanishes. In comparison to the usual case, when the particle source is neutral gas at the plasma edge, the internal source from the pellet causes the toroidal phase velocity of the fluctuations to reverse and changes the average particle flux at the plasma edge. An edge particle source creates an inward turbulent pinch, but an internal particle source increases the outward turbulent particle flux. Statistical properties of the turbulence are measured by multiple microwave interferometers and by an array of probes at the edge. The spatial structures of the largest amplitude modes have long radial and toroidal wavelengths. Estimates of the local and toroidally averaged turbulent particle flux show intermittency and a non-Gaussian probability distribution function. The measured fluctuations, both before and during pellet injection, have frequency and wavenumber dispersion consistent with theoretical expectations for interchange and entropy modes excited within a dipole plasma torus having warm electrons and cool ions.

Validation of conducting wall models using magnetic measurements

DOE PAGES

Hanson, Jeremy M.; Bialek, James M.; Turco, Francesca; ...

2016-08-16

The impact of conducting wall eddy currents on perturbed magnetic field measurements is a key issue for understanding the measurement and control of long-wavelength MHD stability in tokamak devices. As plasma response models have growth in sophistication, the need to understand and resolve small changes in these measurements has become more important, motivating increased fidelity in simulations of externally applied fields and the wall eddy current response. In this manuscript, we describe thorough validation studies of the wall models in the MARS-F and VALEN stability codes, using coil–sensor vacuum coupling measurements from the DIII-D tokamak. The valen formulation treats conductingmore » structures with arbitrary threedimensional geometries, while mars-f uses an axisymmetric wall model and a spectral decomposition of the problem geometry with a fixed toroidal harmonic n. The vacuum coupling measurements have a strong sensitivity to wall eddy currents induced by timechanging coil currents, owing to the close proximities of both the sensors and coils to the wall. Measurements from individual coil and sensor channels are directly compared with valen predictions. It is found that straightforward improvements to the valen model, such as refining the wall mesh and simulating the vertical extent of the DIII-D poloidal field sensors, lead to good agreement with the experimental measurements. In addition, couplings to multi-coil, n = 1 toroidal mode perturbations are calculated from the measurements and compared with predictions from both codes. Lastly, the toroidal mode comparisons favor the fully three-dimensional simulation approach, likely because this approach naturally treats n > 1 sidebands generated by the coils and wall eddy currents, as well as the n = 1 fundamental.« less

Validation of conducting wall models using magnetic measurements

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hanson, Jeremy M.; Bialek, James M.; Turco, Francesca

The impact of conducting wall eddy currents on perturbed magnetic field measurements is a key issue for understanding the measurement and control of long-wavelength MHD stability in tokamak devices. As plasma response models have growth in sophistication, the need to understand and resolve small changes in these measurements has become more important, motivating increased fidelity in simulations of externally applied fields and the wall eddy current response. In this manuscript, we describe thorough validation studies of the wall models in the MARS-F and VALEN stability codes, using coil–sensor vacuum coupling measurements from the DIII-D tokamak. The valen formulation treats conductingmore » structures with arbitrary threedimensional geometries, while mars-f uses an axisymmetric wall model and a spectral decomposition of the problem geometry with a fixed toroidal harmonic n. The vacuum coupling measurements have a strong sensitivity to wall eddy currents induced by timechanging coil currents, owing to the close proximities of both the sensors and coils to the wall. Measurements from individual coil and sensor channels are directly compared with valen predictions. It is found that straightforward improvements to the valen model, such as refining the wall mesh and simulating the vertical extent of the DIII-D poloidal field sensors, lead to good agreement with the experimental measurements. In addition, couplings to multi-coil, n = 1 toroidal mode perturbations are calculated from the measurements and compared with predictions from both codes. Lastly, the toroidal mode comparisons favor the fully three-dimensional simulation approach, likely because this approach naturally treats n > 1 sidebands generated by the coils and wall eddy currents, as well as the n = 1 fundamental.« less

Turbulent fluctuations during pellet injection into a dipole confined plasma torus

DOE PAGES

Garnier, D. T.; Mauel, M. E.; Roberts, T. M.; ...

2017-01-01

Here, we report measurements of the turbulent evolution of the plasma density profile following the fast injection of lithium pellets into the Levitated Dipole Experiment (LDX) [Boxer et al., Nat. Phys. 6, 207 (2010)]. As the pellet passes through the plasma, it provides a significant internal particle source and allows investigation of density profile evolution, turbulent relaxation, and turbulent fluctuations. The total electron number within the dipole plasma torus increases by more than a factor of three, and the central density increases by more than a factor of five. During these large changes in density, the shape of the densitymore » profile is nearly “stationary” such that the gradient of the particle number within tubes of equal magnetic flux vanishes. In comparison to the usual case, when the particle source is neutral gas at the plasma edge, the internal source from the pellet causes the toroidal phase velocity of the fluctuations to reverse and changes the average particle flux at the plasma edge. An edge particle source creates an inward turbulent pinch, but an internal particle source increases the outward turbulent particle flux. Statistical properties of the turbulence are measured by multiple microwave interferometers and by an array of probes at the edge. The spatial structures of the largest amplitude modes have long radial and toroidal wavelengths. Estimates of the local and toroidally averaged turbulent particle flux show intermittency and a non-Gaussian probability distribution function. The measured fluctuations, both before and during pellet injection, have frequency and wave number dispersion consistent with theoretical expectations for interchange and entropy modes excited within a dipole plasma torus having warm electrons and cool ions.« less

Anisotropic Electron Tail Generation during Tearing Mode Magnetic Reconnection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubois, Ami

2017-10-01

Magnetic reconnection (MR) plays an important role in particle transport, energization, and acceleration in space, astrophysical, and laboratory plasmas. In the MST RFP, discrete MR events release large amounts of energy from the equilibrium magnetic field, a large fraction of which is transferred to the ions in a non-collisional process. Key features are anisotropic heating, mass and charge dependence, and energetic ion tail formation. Unlike the ions, the thermal electron temperature decreases at MR events, which is consistent with enhanced electron heat transport due to increased magnetic stochasticity. However, new high-speed x-ray spectrum measurements reveal transient formation of a non-Maxwellian energetic electron tail during MR. The energetic tail is characterized by a power-law, E-γ, with the spectral index (γ) decreasing from 4.2 to 2.2 at MR, and then increasing rapidly to 6.8 due to increased stochastic transport. The x-ray emission peaks in a radial view and is symmetric in the toroidal direction, indicating an anisotropic electron tail is generated. The toroidal symmetry of the electron tail implies runaway acceleration is not a dominant process, consistent with the net emf, ηJll, being smaller than the Dreicer field. Modeling of bremsstrahlung emission shows that a power-law electron tail distribution that is localized near the magnetic axis will yield strong perpendicular anisotropy, consistent with x-ray measurements in the radial and toroidal views. A strong correlation between high energy x-ray flux and tearing mode dynamics suggests a turbulent mechanism is active. This implies that the electron tail formation most likely results from a turbulent wave-particle interaction. This work is supported by the US DOE and NSF.

Resolving the Mystery of Transport Within Internal Transport Barriers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Staebler, G. M.

2013-10-01

The Trapped Gyro-Landau Fluid (TGLF) quasilinear model, which is calibrated to approximate non-linear gyro-kinetic turbulence simulations, is now able to predict the electron density, electron and ion temperatures and ion toroidal rotation simultaneously for internal transport barrier (ITB) discharges in excellent agreement with data from the DIII-D tokamak. This is a strong validation of gyro-kinetic theory of ITBs, requiring multiple instabilities responsible for transport in different channels at different scales. Inside the ITB, the ion energy transport is observed to be reduced to the neoclassical level which is consistent with the theory of turbulence suppression by E × B velocity shear acting on low wavenumber turbulence. The electron energy transport is observed to be far above the neoclassical level which is consistent with electron energy transport due to high wavenumber electron temperature gradient (ETG) modes. Since the ETG modes do not produce particle and ion momentum transport, and low wavenumber modes are suppressed, these channels are expected to be reduced to the neoclassical level in striking disagreement with experimental measurements. A possible resolution of this conundrum was found in 2005 when gyro-kinetic turbulence simulations showed that the parallel velocity shear driven Kelvin-Helmholtz (KH) mode can arrest the suppression of transport by the shear in the E × B velocity Doppler shift at high toroidal flow shear. The success of TGLF in predicting ITB transport is due to the inclusion of ion gyro-radius scale modes that become dominant at high E × B shear and to recent improvements to TGLF that allow the KH mode to be faithfully modeled. The resolution of this long-standing mystery of the missing particle and momentum transport in an ITB is the result of the steady advances in gyro-kinetic simulations and quasilinear modeling. Supported by the US Department of Energy under DE-FG02-95ER54309.

Concept of a charged fusion product diagnostic for NSTX.

PubMed

Boeglin, W U; Valenzuela Perez, R; Darrow, D S

2010-10-01

The concept of a new diagnostic for NSTX to determine the time dependent charged fusion product emission profile using an array of semiconductor detectors is presented. The expected time resolution of 1-2 ms should make it possible to study the effect of magnetohydrodynamics and other plasma activities (toroidal Alfvén eigenmodes (TAE), neoclassical tearing modes (NTM), edge localized modes (ELM), etc.) on the radial transport of neutral beam ions. First simulation results of deuterium-deuterium (DD) fusion proton yields for different detector arrangements and methods for inverting the simulated data to obtain the emission profile are discussed.

Ohmic ITBs in Alcator C-Mod

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rowan, William L.; Bespamyatnov, Igor O.; Fiore, C. L.; Dominguez, A.; Hubbard, A. E.; Ince-Cushman, A.; Greenwald, M. J.; Lin, L.; Marmar, E. S.; Reinke, M.; Rice, J. E.; Zhurovich, K.

2007-11-01

Internal transport barrier (ITB) plasmas can arise spontaneously in Ohmic Alcator C-Mod plasmas. The operational prescription for the ITB include formation of an EDA H-mode in a toroidal magnetic field that is ramping down and a subsequent increase in the toroidal magnetic field. Like ITBs generated with off-axis ICRF heating, these have peaked pressure profiles which can be suppressed by on-axis ICRF heating. Recent work on onset conditions for the ICRF generated ITB (K. Zhurovich, et al., To be published in Nuclear Fusion) demonstrates that the broadening of the ion temperature profile due to off-axis ICRF reduces the ion temperature gradient and suppreses the ITG instability driven particle flux as the primary mechanism for ITB formation. The object of this study is to examine the characteristics of Ohmic ITBs to find whether this model for onset is supported.

Review of mixing length estimates and effects of toroidicity in a fluid model for turbulent transport in tokamaks

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Weiland, J., E-mail: elfjw@chalmers.se

2016-05-15

Basic aspects of turbulent transport in toroidal magnetized plasmas are discussed. In particular the fluid closure has strong effects on zonal flows which are needed to create an absorbing boundary for long wave lengths and also to obtain the Dimits nonlinear upshift. The fluid resonance in the energy equation is found to be instrumental for generating the L–H transition, the spin-up of poloidal rotation in internal transport barriers, as well as the nonlinear Dimits upshift. The difference between the linearly fastest growing mode number and the corresponding longer nonlinear correlation length is also addressed. It is found that the Kadomtsevmore » mixing length result is consistent with the non-Markovian diagonal limit of the transport at the nonlinearly obtained correlation length.« less

Shaping effects on toroidal magnetohydrodynamic modes in the presence of plasma and wall resistivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rhodes, Dov J.; Cole, A. J.; Brennan, D. P.; Finn, J. M.; Li, M.; Fitzpatrick, R.; Mauel, M. E.; Navratil, G. A.

2018-01-01

This study explores the effects of plasma shaping on magnetohydrodynamic mode stability and rotational stabilization in a tokamak, including both plasma and wall resistivity. Depending upon the plasma shape, safety factor, and distance from the wall, the β-limit for rotational stabilization is given by either the resistive-plasma ideal-wall (tearing mode) limit or the ideal-plasma resistive-wall (resistive wall mode) limit. In order to explore this broad parameter space, a sharp-boundary model is developed with a realistic geometry, resonant tearing surfaces, and a resistive wall. The β-limit achievable in the presence of stabilization by rigid plasma rotation, or by an equivalent feedback control with imaginary normal-field gain, is shown to peak at specific values of elongation and triangularity. It is shown that the optimal shaping with rotation typically coincides with transitions between tearing-dominated and wall-dominated mode behavior.

Collisionless microtearing modes in hot tokamaks: Effect of trapped electrons

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Swamy, Aditya K.; Ganesh, R., E-mail: ganesh@ipr.res.in; Brunner, S.

2015-07-15

Collisionless microtearing modes have recently been found linearly unstable in sharp temperature gradient regions of large aspect ratio tokamaks. The magnetic drift resonance of passing electrons has been found to be sufficient to destabilise these modes above a threshold plasma β. A global gyrokinetic study, including both passing electrons as well as trapped electrons, shows that the non-adiabatic contribution of the trapped electrons provides a resonant destabilization, especially at large toroidal mode numbers, for a given aspect ratio. The global 2D mode structures show important changes to the destabilising electrostatic potential. The β threshold for the onset of the instabilitymore » is found to be generally downshifted by the inclusion of trapped electrons. A scan in the aspect ratio of the tokamak configuration, from medium to large but finite values, clearly indicates a significant destabilizing contribution from trapped electrons at small aspect ratio, with a diminishing role at larger aspect ratios.« less

The physics of long- and intermediate-wavelength asymmetries of the hot spot: Compression hydrodynamics and energetics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bose, A.; Betti, R.; Shvarts, D.

To achieve ignition with inertial confinement fusion (ICF), it is important to under- stand the effect of asymmetries on the hydrodynamics and energetics of the compres- sion. This paper describes a theoretical model for the compression of distorted hot spots, and quantitative estimates using hydrodynamic simulations. The asymmetries are categorized into low (Ι < 6) and intermediate (Ι < A < 40) modes by comparison of the wavelength with the thermal-diffusion scale length. Long-wavelength modes introduce substantial nonradial motion, whereas intermediate-wavelength modes in- volve more cooling by thermal ablation. We discover that for distorted hot spots, the measured neutron-averaged propertiesmore » can be very different from the real hydro- dynamic conditions. This is because mass ablation driven my thermal conduction introduces flows in the Rayleigh–Taylor bubbles, this results in pressure variation, in addition to temperature variation between the bubbles and the neutron-producing region (~1 keV for intermediate modes). The differences are less pronounced for long-wavelength asymmetries since the bubbles are relatively hot and sustain fusion reactions. The yield degradation$-$ with respect to the symmetric$-$ results primarily from a reduction in the hot-spot pressure for low modes and from a reduction in burn volume for intermediate modes. It is shown that the degradation in internal energy of the hot-spot is equivalent for both categories, and is equal to the total residual energy in the shell including the bubbles. This quantity is correlated with the shell residual kinetic energy for low-modes, and includes the kinetic energy in the bubbles for mid-modes.« less

The physics of long- and intermediate-wavelength asymmetries of the hot spot: Compression hydrodynamics and energetics

DOE PAGES

Bose, A.; Betti, R.; Shvarts, D.; ...

2017-10-03

To achieve ignition with inertial confinement fusion (ICF), it is important to under- stand the effect of asymmetries on the hydrodynamics and energetics of the compres- sion. This paper describes a theoretical model for the compression of distorted hot spots, and quantitative estimates using hydrodynamic simulations. The asymmetries are categorized into low (Ι < 6) and intermediate (Ι < A < 40) modes by comparison of the wavelength with the thermal-diffusion scale length. Long-wavelength modes introduce substantial nonradial motion, whereas intermediate-wavelength modes in- volve more cooling by thermal ablation. We discover that for distorted hot spots, the measured neutron-averaged propertiesmore » can be very different from the real hydro- dynamic conditions. This is because mass ablation driven my thermal conduction introduces flows in the Rayleigh–Taylor bubbles, this results in pressure variation, in addition to temperature variation between the bubbles and the neutron-producing region (~1 keV for intermediate modes). The differences are less pronounced for long-wavelength asymmetries since the bubbles are relatively hot and sustain fusion reactions. The yield degradation$-$ with respect to the symmetric$-$ results primarily from a reduction in the hot-spot pressure for low modes and from a reduction in burn volume for intermediate modes. It is shown that the degradation in internal energy of the hot-spot is equivalent for both categories, and is equal to the total residual energy in the shell including the bubbles. This quantity is correlated with the shell residual kinetic energy for low-modes, and includes the kinetic energy in the bubbles for mid-modes.« less

Sawtooth oscillations in shaped plasmas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lazarus, E. A.; Luce, T. C.; Burrell, K. H.

The role of interchange and internal kink modes in the sawtooth oscillations is explored by comparing bean- and oval-shaped plasmas. The n=1 instability that results in the collapse of the sawtooth has been identified as a quasi-interchange in the oval cases and the internal kink in the bean shape. The ion and electron temperature profiles are followed in detail through the sawtooth ramp. It is found that electron energy transport rates are very high in the oval and quite low in the bean shape. Ion energy confinement in the oval is excellent and the sawtooth amplitude ({delta}T/T) in the ionmore » temperature is much larger than that of the electrons. The sawtooth amplitudes for ions and electrons are comparable in the bean shape. The measured q profiles in the bean and oval shapes are found to be consistent with neoclassical current diffusion of the toroidal current, and the observed differences in q largely result from the severe differences in electron energy transport. For both shapes the collapse flattens the q profile and after the collapse return to q{sub 0} > or approx. 1. Recent results on intermediate shapes are reported. These shapes show that the electron energy transport improves gradually as the plasma triangularity is increased.« less

Divertor-localized fluctuations in NSTX-U L-mode discharges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scotti, Filippo; Soukhanovskii, V. A.; Zweben, S.; Myra, J.; Baver, D.; Sabbagh, S. A.

2017-10-01

The 3-D structure of divertor turbulence is characterized in NSTX-U by means of fast camera imaging. Edge and divertor turbulence can be important in determining the heat flux width in fusion devices. Field-aligned filaments are found on the divertor legs via imaging of C III and D- α emission in NBI-heated diverted L-mode discharges, similar to observations in Alcator C-Mod and MAST. These flute-like fluctuations of up to 10-20% in RMS/mean are radially localized around the separatrix and limited to the region below the X-point. Poloidal and parallel correlation lengths are a few cm (10-50ρi) and several meters, respectively. For the outer leg filaments, poloidal correlation lengths decrease along the leg away from the strike point and typical effective toroidal mode numbers are in the range of 10-20. Opposite toroidal rotation is observed for inner (co-current rotation) and outer leg (counter-current rotation) filaments with apparent poloidal propagation of 1 km/s. The poloidal motion of outer leg filaments is opposite to the one typically observed for NSTX upstream blobs in the scrape-off layer. The shape, dynamics and absence of correlation with upstream turbulence suggest that these fluctuations are generated and localized in the divertor region. Supported by US DOE DE-AC52-07NA27344, DE-AC02-09CH11466, DE-FG02- 02ER54678, DE-FG02-99ER54524.

A general MHD formulation for plasmas with flow and resistive walls

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Guazzotto, L.; Freidberg, J. P.; Betti, R.

2006-11-30

Toroidal rotation, either induced by means of neutral beams (e.g. in NSTX and DIII-D) or appearing spontaneously (e.g. in Alcator C-Mod, JET and Tore Supra) is routinely observed in modem tokamak experiments. Poloidal rotation is also commonly observed, in particular in the edge region of the plasma. Plasma rotation has a major effect on plasma stability. Flow and flow shear stabilize external modes such as the resistive wall mode (as observed e.g. in DIII-D), suppress turbulence when the flow shear is large enough, and also have a significant influence on the stability and nonlinear evolution of the internal kink andmore » ballooning modes. Flow shear can in particular have both a stabilizing (by breaking up unstable structures) and destabilizing (through the Kelvin-Helmoltz mechanism) effect. A self-consistent analysis of the effect of rotation requires the use of numerical tools. In this work, we present a general eigenvalue formulation based on a variational principle stability analysis, including arbitrary (both toroidal and poloidal) plasma rotation and a thin resistive wall of arbitrary shape and resistivity. It is shown that the problem can always be reduced to a classic eigenvalue formulation of the kind i{omega}A double underbar {center_dot} {zeta}-vector = B double underbar {center_dot} {zeta}-vector, where {zeta}-vector is the unknown eigenvector related to the plasma displacement, and {omega} the (complex) evolution frequency of the perturbation. The formulation is well suited for a finite element analysis.« less

Influence of driven current on resistive tearing mode in Tokamaks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Zhiwei; Wang, Sheng; Zhang, Wei

2016-10-01

Influence of driven current on the m / n = 2 / 1 resistive tearing mode is studied systematically using a three-dimensional toroidal MHD code (CLT). A uniform driven current with Gaussian distribution in the radial direction is imposed around the unperturbed rational surface. It is found that the driven current can locally modify the profiles of the current and safety factor, such that the tearing mode becomes linearly stable. The stabilizing effect increases with increase of the driven current Icd or decrease of its width δcd, unless an excessively large driven current reverses the magnetic shear near the rational surface and drives other instabilities such as double or triple tearing modes. The stabilizing effect can be negligible or becomes reversed if the maximum driven current density is not at the unperturbed rational surface. ITER-CN Program.

Mode cross coupling observations with a rotation sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nader-Nieto, M. F.; Igel, H.; Ferreira, A. M.; Al-Attar, D.

2013-12-01

The Earth's free oscillations induced by large earthquakes have been one of the most important ways to measure the Earth's internal structure and processes. They provide important large scale constraints on a variety of elastic parameters, attenuation and density of the Earth's deep interior. The potential of rotational seismic records for long period seismology was proven useful as a complement to traditional measurements in the study of the Earth's free oscillations. Thanks to the high resolution of the G-ring laser located at Geodetic Observatory Wettzell, Germany, we are now able to study the spectral energy generated by rotations in the low frequency range. On a SNREI Earth, a vertical component rotational sensor is primarily excited by horizontally polarised shear motions (SH waves, Love waves) with theoretically no sensitivity to compressional waves and conversions (P-SV) and Rayleigh waves. Consequently, in the context of the Earth's normal modes, this instrument detects mostly toroidal modes. Here, we present observations of spectral energy of both toroidal and spheroidal normal modes in the G-ring Laser records of one of the largest magnitude events recently recorded: Tohoku-Oki, Japan, 2011. In an attempt to determine the mechanisms responsible for spheroidal energy in the vertical axes rotational spectra, we first rule out instrumental effects as well as the effect of local heterogeneity. Second, we carry out a simulation of an ideal rotational sensor taking into account the effects of the Earth's daily rotation, its hydrostatic ellipticity and structural heterogeneity, finding a good fit to the data. Simulations considering each effect separately are performed in order to evaluate the sensitivity of rotational motions to global effects with respect to traditional translation measurements.

A current-driven resistive instability and its nonlinear effects in simulations of coaxial helicity injection in a tokamak

DOE PAGES

Hooper, E. B.; Sovinec, C. R.

2016-10-06

An instability observed in whole-device, resistive magnetohydrodynamic simulations of the driven phase of coaxial helicity injection in the National Spherical Torus eXperiment is identified as a current-driven resistive mode in an unusual geometry that transiently generates a current sheet. The mode consists of plasma flow velocity and magnetic field eddies in a tube aligned with the magnetic field at the surface of the injected magnetic flux. At low plasma temperatures (~10–20 eV), the mode is benign, but at high temperatures (~100 eV) its amplitude undergoes relaxation oscillations, broadening the layer of injected current and flow at the surface of themore » injected toroidal flux and background plasma. The poloidal-field structure is affected and the magnetic surface closure is generally prevented while the mode undergoes relaxation oscillations during injection. Furthermore, this study describes the mode and uses linearized numerical computations and an analytic slab model to identify the unstable mode.« less

Linear instability regimes in L-mode edges using reduced MHD models in BOUT + +

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bass, Eric; Holland, Chris; Cohen, Bruce; Umansky, Maxim

2016-10-01

We compare linear instabilities in the edge of two DIII-D L-mode discharges using reduced two-fluid MHD models implemented in BOUT + +. Discharge 119919, a case used in a previous BOUT + + validation study, has a cold edge and is dominated by resistive ballooning modes (RBMs). Hotter discharge 128913, an L-mode shortfall benchmark case, is drift-wave (DW) dominant. The model captures essential drift wave physics through the electron pressure parallel gradient drive term in the A| | evolution. At relevant toroidal mode numbers (50-200), the leading DWs in 128913 are flutelike with high kr and require about an order of magnitude greater radial resolution than the leading RBMs in 119919. We quantify when such high kr modes must be resolved in practice. To aid eigenfunction confirmation, and to identify potential subdominant DWs, a companion eigenvalue solver for the BOUT + + models is under development. Prepared by UCSD under Contract Number DE-FG02-06ER54871.

Heat loads on poloidal and toroidal edges of castellated plasma-facing components in COMPASS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dejarnac, R.; Corre, Y.; Vondracek, P.; Gaspar, J.; Gauthier, E.; Gunn, J. P.; Komm, M.; Gardarein, J.-L.; Horacek, J.; Hron, M.; Matejicek, J.; Pitts, R. A.; Panek, R.

2018-06-01

Dedicated experiments have been performed in the COMPASS tokamak to thoroughly study the power deposition processes occurring on poloidal and toroidal edges of castellated plasma-facing components in tokamaks during steady-state L-mode conditions. Surface temperatures measured by a high resolution infra-red camera are compared with reconstructed synthetic data from a 2D thermal model using heat flux profiles derived from both the optical approximation and 2D particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations. In the case of poloidal leading edges, when the contribution from local radiation is taken into account, the parallel heat flux deduced from unperturbed, upstream measurements is fully consistent with the observed temperature increase at the leading edges of various heights, respecting power balance assuming simple projection of the parallel flux density. Smoothing of the heat flux deposition profile due to finite ion Larmor radius predicted by the PIC simulations is found to be weak and the power deposition on misaligned poloidal edges is better described by the optical approximation. This is consistent with an electron-dominated regime associated with a non-ambipolar parallel current flow. In the case of toroidal gap edges, the different contributions of the total incoming flux along the gap have been observed experimentally for the first time. They confirm the results of recent numerical studies performed for ITER showing that in specific cases the heat deposition does not necessarily follow the optical approximation. Indeed, ions can spiral onto the magnetically shadowed toroidal edge. Particle-in-cell simulations emphasize again the role played by local non-ambipolarity in the deposition pattern.

Gyrokinetic simulations with external resonant magnetic perturbations: Island torque and nonambipolar transport with plasma rotation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waltz, R. E.; Waelbroeck, F. L.

2012-03-01

Static external resonant magnetic field perturbations (RMPs) have been added to the gyrokinetic code GYRO [J. Candy and R. E. Waltz, J. Comp. Phys. 186, 545 (2003)]. This allows nonlinear gyrokinetic simulations of the nonambipolar radial current flow jr, and the corresponding j→×B→ plasma torque (density) R[jrBp/c], induced by magnetic islands that break the toroidal symmetry of a tokamak. This extends the previous GYRO formulation for the transport of toroidal angular momentum (TAM) [R. E. Waltz, G. M. Staebler, J. Candy, and F. L. Hinton, Phys. Plasmas 14, 122507 (2007); errata 16, 079902 (2009)]. The focus is on electrostatic full torus radial slice simulations of externally induced q =m/n=6/3 islands with widths 5% of the minor radius or about 20 ion gyroradii. Up to moderately strong E ×B rotation, the island torque scales with the radial electric field at the resonant surface Er, the island width w, and the intensity I of the high-n micro-turbulence, as Erw√I . The radial current inside the island is carried (entirely in the n =3 component) and almost entirely by the ion E ×B flux, since the electron E ×B and magnetic flutter particle fluxes are cancelled. The net island torque is null at zero Er rather than at zero toroidal rotation. This means that while the expected magnetic braking of the toroidal plasma rotation occurs at strong co- and counter-current rotation, at null toroidal rotation, there is a small co-directed magnetic acceleration up to the small diamagnetic (ion pressure gradient driven) co-rotation corresponding to the zero Er and null torque. This could be called the residual stress from an externally induced island. At zero Er, the only effect is the expected partial flattening of the electron temperature gradient within the island. Finite-beta GYRO simulations demonstrate almost complete RMP field screening and n =3 mode unlocking at strong Er.

Magnetic Reconnection Processes Involving Modes Propagating in the Ion Diamagnetic Velocity Direction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buratti, P.; Coppi, B.; Pucella, G.; Zhou, T.

2013-10-01

Experiments in weakly collisional plasma regimes, (e.g. neutral beam heated plasmas in the H-regime), measuring the Doppler shift associated with the plasma local rotation, have shown that the toroidal mode phase velocity vph in the frame with Er = 0 is in the direction of the ion diamagnetic velocity. For ohmically heated plasmas, with higher collisionalities, vph in the laboratory frame is in the direction of the electron diamagnetic velocity, but plasma rotation is reversed as well, and vph, in the Er = 0 frame, is in the ion diamagnetic velocity direction. Theoretically, two classes of reconnecting modes should emerge: drift-tearing modes and ``inductive modes'' that depend on the effects of a finite plasma inductivity. The former modes, with vph in the direction of the electron diamagnetic velocity, require the pre-excitation of a different kind of mode in order to become unstable in weakly collisional regimes. The second kind of modes has a growth rate associated with the relevant finite ion viscosity. A comprehensive theory is presented. Sponsored in part by the US DOE.

Evolution of newborn rapidly rotating magnetars: Effects of R-mode and fall-back accretion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jie-Shuang; Dai, Zi-Gao

2017-06-01

In this paper we investigate effects of the r-mode instability on a newborn rapidly-rotating magnetar with fall-back accretion. Such a magnetar could usually occur in core-collapse supernovae and gamma-ray bursts. We find that the magnetar's spin and r-mode evolution are influenced by accretion. If the magnetar is sufficiently spun up to a few milliseconds, gravitational radiation leads to the growth of the r-mode amplitude significantly. The maximum r-mode amplitude reaches an order of 0.001 when the damping due to the growth of a toroidal magnetic field balances the growth of the r-mode amplitude. If such a sufficiently spun-up magnetar was located at a distance less than 1 Mpc, then gravitational waves would be detectable by the Einstein Telescope but would have an extremely low event rate. However, if the spin-up is insufficient, the growth of the r-mode amplitude is mainly due to the accretion torque. In this case, the maximum r-mode amplitude is of the order of 10-6-10-5.

Parallel closure theory for toroidally confined plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Jeong-Young; Held, Eric D.

2017-10-01

We solve a system of general moment equations to obtain parallel closures for electrons and ions in an axisymmetric toroidal magnetic field. Magnetic field gradient terms are kept and treated using the Fourier series method. Assuming lowest order density (pressure) and temperature to be flux labels, the parallel heat flow, friction, and viscosity are expressed in terms of radial gradients of the lowest-order temperature and pressure, parallel gradients of temperature and parallel flow, and the relative electron-ion parallel flow velocity. Convergence of closure quantities is demonstrated as the number of moments and Fourier modes are increased. Properties of the moment equations in the collisionless limit are also discussed. Combining closures with fluid equations parallel mass flow and electric current are also obtained. Work in collaboration with the PSI Center and supported by the U.S. DOE under Grant Nos. DE-SC0014033, DE-SC0016256, and DE-FG02-04ER54746.

Effect of the magnetic field on coexisting stimulated Raman and Brillouin backscattering of an extraordinary mode

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vyas, Ashish, E-mail: ashishvyas.optics@gmail.com; Singh, Ram Kishor, E-mail: ram007kishor@gmail.com; Sharma, R. P., E-mail: rpsharma@ces.iitd.ernet.in

2016-01-15

This paper presents a model to study the interplay between the stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) and stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in the presence of background magnetic field. This formalism is applicable to laser produced plasma as well as to heating mechanism in toroidal system by an extraordinary electromagnetic wave. In the former case, the magnetic field is self-generated, while in the latter case (toroidal plasmas) magnetic field is applied externally. The behavior of one scattering process is explicitly dependent on the coexisting scattering process as well as on the magnetic field. Explicit expressions for the back-reflectivity of scattered beams (SRSmore » and SBS) are presented. It has been demonstrated that due to the magnetic field and coexistence of the scattering processes (SRS and SBS) the back-reflectivity gets modified significantly. Results are also compared with the three wave interaction case (isolated SRS or SBS case)« less

Control of magnetohydrodynamic stability by phase space engineering of energetic ions in tokamak plasmas.

PubMed

Graves, J P; Chapman, I T; Coda, S; Lennholm, M; Albergante, M; Jucker, M

2012-01-10

Virtually collisionless magnetic mirror-trapped energetic ion populations often partially stabilize internally driven magnetohydrodynamic disturbances in the magnetosphere and in toroidal laboratory plasma devices such as the tokamak. This results in less frequent but dangerously enlarged plasma reorganization. Unique to the toroidal magnetic configuration are confined 'circulating' energetic particles that are not mirror trapped. Here we show that a newly discovered effect from hybrid kinetic-magnetohydrodynamic theory has been exploited in sophisticated phase space engineering techniques for controlling stability in the tokamak. These theoretical predictions have been confirmed, and the technique successfully applied in the Joint European Torus. Manipulation of auxiliary ion heating systems can create an asymmetry in the distribution of energetic circulating ions in the velocity orientated along magnetic field lines. We show the first experiments in which large sawtooth collapses have been controlled by this technique, and neoclassical tearing modes avoided, in high-performance reactor-relevant plasmas.

Rational-q Triggered Transport Changes With Varying Toroidal Rotation in DIII-D

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Austin, M. E.; Burrell, K. H.; Waltz, R. E.; van Zeeland, M. A.; McKee, G. R.; Shafer, M. W.; Rhodes, T. L.

2007-11-01

Comparison of rational-q triggered ITBs in discharges with varying toroidal torque injection was carried out. Experiments were conducted in negative central shear discharges with different mixes of co/counter neutral beam injection (NBI) that altered the equilibrium ExB shear in conditions where transient improvements in transport occur near integer qmin values. The transport changes were seen in high and low rotation cases; however, the latter discharges did not transition to improved core confinement. Observations support the model that sufficient background ExB shear is required for barrier formation and zonal flow effects at integer qmin act as trigger in this case. The lack of TAE modes in the balanced injection cases indicates they are not linked to the transient confinement improvement. Fluctuation data obtained in co and balanced NBI show similar reductions in turbulence near integer qmin as well as poloidal velocity excursions that may be further evidence of zonal flow.

A comparison between soft x-ray and magnetic phase data on the Madison symmetric torus

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

VanMeter, P. D., E-mail: pvanmeter@wisc.edu; Reusch, L. M.; Sarff, J. S.

The Soft X-Ray (SXR) tomography system on the Madison Symmetric Torus uses four cameras to determine the emissivity structure of the plasma. This structure should directly correspond to the structure of the magnetic field; however, there is an apparent phase difference between the emissivity reconstructions and magnetic field reconstructions when using a cylindrical approximation. The difference between the phase of the dominant rotating helical mode of the magnetic field and the motion of the brightest line of sight for each SXR camera is dependent on both the camera viewing angle and the plasma conditions. Holding these parameters fixed, this phasemore » difference is shown to be consistent over multiple measurements when only toroidal or poloidal magnetic field components are considered. These differences emerge from physical effects of the toroidal geometry which are not captured in the cylindrical approximation.« less

KTX circuit model and discharge waveform prediction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bai, Wei; Lan, T.; Mao, W. Z.; You, W.; Li, H.; Liu, A. D.; Xie, J. L.; Wan, S. D.; Liu, W. D.; Yang, L.; Fu, P.; Xiao, C. J.; Ding, W. X.

2013-10-01

The Keda Torus eXperiment (KTX) is a constructing reversed field pinch (RFP) device in University of Science and Technology of China. The KTX power supply system includes the Ohmic heating, field shaping and toroidal power supply systems, which produce the Ohmic field, equilibrium field and toroidal field, respectively. The detailed circuit model will be introduced in this poster. Another purpose is to predict its discharge waveforms using the modified Bessel function mode (MBFM), which describes the evolution of plasma current and magnetic flux in RFP base on Taylor theory. Furthermore, the power supply requirements of external field shaping winding are also predicted in the model, which will be very helpful for the design of plasma equilibrium controlling system. Supported by ITER-China program (No. 2011GB106000), NNSFC (Nos. 10990210, 10990211, 10335060 and 10905057), CPSF (No. 20080440104), YIF (No. WK2030040019) and KIPCAS (No. kjcx-yw-n28).

Direct evidence of stationary zonal flows and critical gradient behavior for Er during formation of the edge pedestal in JET

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hillesheim, Jon

2015-11-01

High spatial resolution measurements with Doppler backscattering in JET have provided new insights into the development of the edge radial electric field during pedestal formation. The characteristics of Er have been studied as a function of density at 2.5 MA plasma current and 3 T toroidal magnetic field. We observe fine-scale spatial structure in the edge Er well prior to the LH transition, consistent with stationary zonal flows. Zonal flows are a fundamental mechanism for the saturation of turbulence and this is the first direct evidence of stationary zonal flows in a tokamak. The radial wavelength of the zonal flows systematically decreases with density. The zonal flows are clearest in Ohmic conditions, weaker in L-mode, and absent in H-mode. Measurements also show that after neutral beam heating is applied, the edge Er builds up at a constant gradient into the core during L-mode, at radii where Er is mainly due to toroidal velocity. The local stability of velocity shear driven turbulence, such as the parallel velocity gradient mode, will be assessed with gyrokinetic simulations. This critical Er shear persists across the LH transition into H-mode. Surprisingly, a reduction in the apparent magnitude of the Er well depth is observed directly following the LH transition at high densities. Establishing the physics basis for the LH transition is important for projecting scalings to ITER and these observations challenge existing models based on increased Er shear or strong zonal flows as the trigger for the transition. This work has been carried out within the framework of the EUROfusion Consortium and has received funding from the Euratom research and training programme 2014-2018 under grant agreement No 633053. The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the European Commission.

Scenario development during commissioning operations on the National Spherical Torus Experiment Upgrade

DOE PAGES

Battaglia, D. J.; Boyer, M. D.; Gerhardt, S.; ...

2018-02-20

The National Spherical Torus Experiment Upgrade (NSTX-U) will advance the physics basis required for achieving steady-state, high-beta, and high-confinement conditions in a tokamak by accessing high toroidal field (1 T) and plasma current (1.0 - 2.0 MA) in a low aspect ratio geometry (A = 1.6 - 1.8) with flexible auxiliary heating systems (12 MW NBI, 6 MW HHFW). This paper describes progress in the development of L- and Hmode discharge scenarios and the commissioning of operational tools in the first ten weeks of operation that enable the scientific mission of NSTX-U. Vacuum field calculations completed prior to operations supportedmore » the rapid development and optimization of inductive breakdown at different values of ohmic solenoid current. The toroidal magnetic field (BT0 = 0.65 T) exceeded the maximum values achieved on NSTX and novel long-pulse L-mode discharges with regular sawtooth activity exceeded the longest pulses produced on NSTX (tpulse > 1.8s). The increased flux of the central solenoid facilitated the development of stationary L-mode discharges over a range of density and plasma current (Ip). H-mode discharges achieved similar levels of stored energy, confinement (H98y,2 > 1) and stability (βN/βN-nowall > 1) compared to NSTX discharges for Ip ≤ 1 MA. High-performance H-mode scenarios require an L-H transition early in the Ip ramp-up phase in order to obtain low internal inductance (li) throughout the discharge, which is conducive to maintaining vertical stability at high elongation (κ > 2.2) and achieving long periods of MHD quiescent operations. The rapid progress in developing L- and H-mode scenarios in support of the scientific program was enabled by advances in real-time plasma control, efficient error field identification and correction, effective conditioning of the graphite wall and excellent diagnostic availability.« less

Scenario development during commissioning operations on the National Spherical Torus Experiment Upgrade

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Battaglia, D. J.; Boyer, M. D.; Gerhardt, S.

The National Spherical Torus Experiment Upgrade (NSTX-U) will advance the physics basis required for achieving steady-state, high-beta, and high-confinement conditions in a tokamak by accessing high toroidal field (1 T) and plasma current (1.0 - 2.0 MA) in a low aspect ratio geometry (A = 1.6 - 1.8) with flexible auxiliary heating systems (12 MW NBI, 6 MW HHFW). This paper describes progress in the development of L- and Hmode discharge scenarios and the commissioning of operational tools in the first ten weeks of operation that enable the scientific mission of NSTX-U. Vacuum field calculations completed prior to operations supportedmore » the rapid development and optimization of inductive breakdown at different values of ohmic solenoid current. The toroidal magnetic field (BT0 = 0.65 T) exceeded the maximum values achieved on NSTX and novel long-pulse L-mode discharges with regular sawtooth activity exceeded the longest pulses produced on NSTX (tpulse > 1.8s). The increased flux of the central solenoid facilitated the development of stationary L-mode discharges over a range of density and plasma current (Ip). H-mode discharges achieved similar levels of stored energy, confinement (H98y,2 > 1) and stability (βN/βN-nowall > 1) compared to NSTX discharges for Ip ≤ 1 MA. High-performance H-mode scenarios require an L-H transition early in the Ip ramp-up phase in order to obtain low internal inductance (li) throughout the discharge, which is conducive to maintaining vertical stability at high elongation (κ > 2.2) and achieving long periods of MHD quiescent operations. The rapid progress in developing L- and H-mode scenarios in support of the scientific program was enabled by advances in real-time plasma control, efficient error field identification and correction, effective conditioning of the graphite wall and excellent diagnostic availability.« less

Suppression of energetic particle driven instabilities with HHFW heating

DOE PAGES

Fredrickson, E. D.; Taylor, G.; Bertelli, N.; ...

2015-01-01

In plasmas in the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) [Ono et al., Nucl. Fusion 40 (2000) 557] heated with neutral beams, the beam ions typically excite Energetic Particle Modes (EPMs or fishbones), and Toroidal, Global or Compressional Alfvén Eigenmodes (TAE, GAE, CAE). These modes can redistribute the energetic beam ions, altering the beam driven current profile and the plasma heating profile, or they may affect electron thermal transport or cause losses of the beam ions. In this paper we present experimental results where these instabilities, driven by the super-thermal beam ions, are suppressed with the application of High Harmonic Fastmore » Wave heating.« less

Wavelength calibration of x-ray imaging crystal spectrometer on Joint Texas Experimental Tokamak

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yan, W.; Chen, Z. Y., E-mail: zychen@hust.edu.cn; Jin, W.

2014-11-15

The wavelength calibration of x-ray imaging crystal spectrometer is a key issue for the measurements of plasma rotation. For the lack of available standard radiation source near 3.95 Å and there is no other diagnostics to measure the core rotation for inter-calibration, an indirect method by using tokamak plasma itself has been applied on joint Texas experimental tokamak. It is found that the core toroidal rotation velocity is not zero during locked mode phase. This is consistent with the observation of small oscillations on soft x-ray signals and electron cyclotron emission during locked-mode phase.

Laboratory Plasma Studies

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-11-30

dependent field to the main toroidal field, which provides an effective increment to the acceleration rate if it has a negative time derivative during...regions, non- uniformities in the beam develop in the drift region, scattering in the foils affects the beam entering the laser, effects due to a second...faster destroyed by a small perturbation. Note that this analogy is adequate only when the global RT mode cannot develop - otherwise, it is the rigid pen

Optimization of the ITER electron cyclotron equatorial launcher for improved heating and current drive functional capabilities

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Farina, D.; Figini, L.; Henderson, M.

2014-06-15

The design of the ITER Electron Cyclotron Heating and Current Drive (EC H and CD) system has evolved in the last years both in goals and functionalities by considering an expanded range of applications. A large effort has been devoted to a better integration of the equatorial and the upper launchers, both from the point of view of the performance and of the design impact on the engineering constraints. However, from the analysis of the ECCD performance in two references H-mode scenarios at burn (the inductive H-mode and the advanced non-inductive scenario), it was clear that the EC power depositionmore » was not optimal for steady-state applications in the plasma region around mid radius. An optimization study of the equatorial launcher is presented here aiming at removing this limitation of the EC system capabilities. Changing the steering of the equatorial launcher from toroidal to poloidal ensures EC power deposition out to the normalized toroidal radius ρ ≈ 0.6, and nearly doubles the EC driven current around mid radius, without significant performance degradation in the core plasma region. In addition to the improved performance, the proposed design change is able to relax some engineering design constraints on both launchers.« less

The Direct Effect of Toroidal Magnetic Fields on Stellar Oscillations: An Analytical Expression for the General Matrix Element

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kiefer, René; Schad, Ariane; Roth, Markus

2017-09-10

Where is the solar dynamo located and what is its modus operandi? These are still open questions in solar physics. Helio- and asteroseismology can help answer them by enabling us to study solar and stellar internal structures through global oscillations. The properties of solar and stellar acoustic modes are changing with the level of magnetic activity. However, until now, the inference on subsurface magnetic fields with seismic measures has been very limited. The aim of this paper is to develop a formalism to calculate the effect of large-scale toroidal magnetic fields on solar and stellar global oscillation eigenfunctions and eigenfrequencies.more » If the Lorentz force is added to the equilibrium equation of motion, stellar eigenmodes can couple. In quasi-degenerate perturbation theory, this coupling, also known as the direct effect, can be quantified by the general matrix element. We present the analytical expression of the matrix element for a superposition of subsurface zonal toroidal magnetic field configurations. The matrix element is important for forward calculations of perturbed solar and stellar eigenfunctions and frequency perturbations. The results presented here will help to ascertain solar and stellar large-scale subsurface magnetic fields, and their geometric configuration, strength, and change over the course of activity cycles.« less

Sawtooth mitigation in 3D MHD tokamak modelling with applied magnetic perturbations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonfiglio, D.; Veranda, M.; Cappello, S.; Chacón, L.; Escande, D. F.

2017-01-01

The effect of magnetic perturbations (MPs) on the sawtoothing dynamics of the internal kink mode in the tokamak is discussed in the framework of nonlinear 3D MHD modelling. Numerical simulations are performed with the pixie3d code (Chacón 2008 Phys. Plasmas 15 056103) based on a D-shaped configuration in toroidal geometry. MPs are applied as produced by two sets of coils distributed along the toroidal direction, one set located above and the other set below the outboard midplane, like in experimental devices such as DIII-D and ASDEX Upgrade. The capability of n  =  1 MPs to affect quasi-periodic sawteeth is shown to depend on the toroidal phase difference Δ φ between the perturbations produced by the two sets of coils. In particular, sawtooth mitigation is obtained for the Δ φ =π phasing, whereas no significant effect is observed for Δ φ =0 . Numerical findings are explained by the interplay between different poloidal harmonics in the spectrum of applied MPs, and appear to be consistent with experiments performed in the DIII-D device. Sawtooth mitigation and stimulation of self-organized helical states by applied MPs have been previously demonstrated in both circular tokamak and reversed-field pinch (RFP) experiments in the RFX-mod device, and in related 3D MHD modelling.

The effect of a sheared flow on magnetic islands in plasmas with non-axisymetric geometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cancino, M. Stefany; Martinell, Julio J.

2018-02-01

The stability of a magnetic island in a toroidal magnetic confinement device depends on various factors besides the usual tearing-mode stability parameter ?, determined by the local current profile.The presence of a sheared flow in the vicinity of the rational surface that supports the island is one of the factors that affects its stability since it can give rise to a polarization current around the island position. The contribution of the polarization current to the stability has been computed for a tokamak geometry. Here, we consider the case of magnetic islands with a shear flow in a stellarator which has a non-axisymmetric magnetic geometry. The main difference is a contribution to the polarization current from the toroidal electrostatic oscillation. A correction due to the global toroidal magnetic geometry is also present. It is found that the regime where the stability is affected corresponds to the large island width relative to the ion gyroradius. Thus, the contribution is relevant for low-temperature regimes. In that case, the polarization current is destabilizing for frequencies larger than the ion diamagnetic frequency. Our results imply that the sheared flow can produce a growth of the magnetic island in a cold plasma but it can become narrower as the temperature rises.

The Direct Effect of Toroidal Magnetic Fields on Stellar Oscillations: An Analytical Expression for the General Matrix Element

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiefer, René; Schad, Ariane; Roth, Markus

2017-09-01

Where is the solar dynamo located and what is its modus operandi? These are still open questions in solar physics. Helio- and asteroseismology can help answer them by enabling us to study solar and stellar internal structures through global oscillations. The properties of solar and stellar acoustic modes are changing with the level of magnetic activity. However, until now, the inference on subsurface magnetic fields with seismic measures has been very limited. The aim of this paper is to develop a formalism to calculate the effect of large-scale toroidal magnetic fields on solar and stellar global oscillation eigenfunctions and eigenfrequencies. If the Lorentz force is added to the equilibrium equation of motion, stellar eigenmodes can couple. In quasi-degenerate perturbation theory, this coupling, also known as the direct effect, can be quantified by the general matrix element. We present the analytical expression of the matrix element for a superposition of subsurface zonal toroidal magnetic field configurations. The matrix element is important for forward calculations of perturbed solar and stellar eigenfunctions and frequency perturbations. The results presented here will help to ascertain solar and stellar large-scale subsurface magnetic fields, and their geometric configuration, strength, and change over the course of activity cycles.

Soft X-ray studies on MST: Measuring the effects of toroidicity on tearing mode phase and installation of a multi-energy camera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vanmeter, Patrick; Reusch, Lisa; Franz, Paolo; Sarff, John; Goetz, John; Delgado-Aparicio, Louis; den Hartog, Daniel

2017-10-01

The soft X-ray tomography (SXT) system on MST uses four cameras in a double-filter configuration to measure the emitted brightness along forty distinct lines of sight. These measurements can then be inverted to determine the emissivity, which depends on physical properties such as temperature, density, and impurity content. The SXR emissivity should correspond to the structure of the magnetic field; however, there is a discrepancy between the phase of the emissivity inversions and magnetic field reconstructions when using the typical cylindrical approximation to interpret the signal from the toroidal magnetics array. This discrepancy was measured for two distinct plasma conditions using all four SXT cameras, with results supporting the interpretation that it emerges from physical effects of the toroidal geometry. In addition, a new soft x-ray measurement system based on the PILATUS3 photon counting detector will be installed on MST. Emitted photons are counted by an array of pixels with individually adjustable energy cutoffs giving the device more spectral information than the double-filter system. This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Fusion Energy Sciences program under Award Numbers DE-FC02-05ER54814 and DE-SC0015474.

Modelling of NSTX hot vertical displacement events using M 3 D -C 1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pfefferlé, D.; Ferraro, N.; Jardin, S. C.; Krebs, I.; Bhattacharjee, A.

2018-05-01

The main results of an intense vertical displacement event (VDE) modelling activity using the implicit 3D extended MHD code M3D-C1 are presented. A pair of nonlinear 3D simulations are performed using realistic transport coefficients based on the reconstruction of a so-called NSTX frozen VDE where the feedback control was purposely switched off to trigger a vertical instability. The vertical drift phase is solved assuming axisymmetry until the plasma contacts the first wall, at which point the intricate evolution of the plasma, decaying to large extent in force-balance with induced halo/wall currents, is carefully resolved via 3D nonlinear simulations. The faster 2D nonlinear runs allow to assess the sensitivity of the simulations to parameter changes. In the limit of perfectly conducting wall, the expected linear relation between vertical growth rate and wall resistivity is recovered. For intermediate wall resistivities, the halo region contributes to slowing the plasma down, and the characteristic VDE time depends on the choice of halo temperature. The evolution of the current quench and the onset of 3D halo/eddy currents are diagnosed in detail. The 3D simulations highlight a rich structure of toroidal modes, penetrating inwards from edge to core and cascading from high-n to low-n mode numbers. The break-up of flux-surfaces results in a progressive stochastisation of field-lines precipitating the thermalisation of the plasma with the wall. The plasma current then decays rapidly, inducing large currents in the halo region and the wall. Analysis of normal currents flowing in and out of the divertor plate reveals rich time-varying patterns.

Rotation and plasma stability in the Fitzpatrick-Aydemir model

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pustovitov, V. D.

2007-08-15

The rotational stabilization of the resistive wall modes (RWMs) is analyzed within the single-mode cylindrical Fitzpatrick-Aydemir model [R. Fitzpatrick, Phys. Plasmas 9, 3459 (2002)]. Here, the consequences of the Fitzpatrick-Aydemir dispersion relation are derived in terms of the observable growth rate and toroidal rotation frequency of the mode, which allows easy interpretation of the results and comparison with experimental observations. It is shown that this model, developed for the plasma with weak dissipation, predicts the rotational destabilization of RWM in the typical range of the RWM rotation. The model predictions are compared with those obtained in a similar model, butmore » with the Boozer boundary conditions at the plasma surface [A. H. Boozer, Phys. Plasmas 11, 110 (2004)]. Simple experimental tests of the model are proposed.« less

EDITORIAL: The Nuclear Fusion Award The Nuclear Fusion Award

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kikuchi, M.

2011-01-01

The Nuclear Fusion Award ceremony for 2009 and 2010 award winners was held during the 23rd IAEA Fusion Energy Conference in Daejeon. This time, both 2009 and 2010 award winners were celebrated by the IAEA and the participants of the 23rd IAEA Fusion Energy Conference. The Nuclear Fusion Award is a paper prize to acknowledge the best distinguished paper among the published papers in a particular volume of the Nuclear Fusion journal. Among the top-cited and highly-recommended papers chosen by the Editorial Board, excluding overview and review papers, and by analyzing self-citation and non-self-citation with an emphasis on non-self-citation, the Editorial Board confidentially selects ten distinguished papers as nominees for the Nuclear Fusion Award. Certificates are given to the leading authors of the Nuclear Fusion Award nominees. The final winner is selected among the ten nominees by the Nuclear Fusion Editorial Board voting confidentially. 2009 Nuclear Fusion Award nominees For the 2009 award, the papers published in the 2006 volume were assessed and the following papers were nominated, most of which are magnetic confinement experiments, theory and modeling, while one addresses inertial confinement. Sabbagh S.A. et al 2006 Resistive wall stabilized operation in rotating high beta NSTX plasmas Nucl. Fusion 46 635-44 La Haye R.J. et al 2006 Cross-machine benchmarking for ITER of neoclassical tearing mode stabilization by electron cyclotron current drive Nucl. Fusion 46 451-61 Honrubia J.J. et al 2006 Three-dimensional fast electron transport for ignition-scale inertial fusion capsules Nucl. Fusion 46 L25-8 Ido T. et al 2006 Observation of the interaction between the geodesic acoustic mode and ambient fluctuation in the JFT-2M tokamak Nucl. Fusion 46 512-20 Plyusnin V.V. et al 2006 Study of runaway electron generation during major disruptions in JET Nucl. Fusion 46 277-84 Pitts R.A. et al 2006 Far SOL ELM ion energies in JET Nucl. Fusion 46 82-98 Berk H.L. et al 2006 Explanation of the JET n = 0 chirping mode Nucl. Fusion 46 S888-97 Urano H. et al 2006 Confinement degradation with beta for ELMy HH-mode plasmas in JT-60U tokamak Nucl. Fusion 46 781-7 Izzo V.A. et al 2006 A numerical investigation of the effects of impurity penetration depth on disruption mitigation by massive high-pressure gas jet Nucl. Fusion 46 541-7 Inagaki S. et al 2006 Comparison of transient electron heat transport in LHD helical and JT-60U tokamak plasmas Nucl. Fusion 46 133-41 Watanabe T.-H. et al 2006 Velocity-space structures of distribution function in toroidal ion temperature gradient turbulence Nucl. Fusion 46 24-32 2010 Nuclear Fusion Award nominees For the 2010 award, the papers published in the 2007 volume were assessed and the following papers were nominated, all of which are magnetic confinement experiments and theory. Rice J.E. et al 2007 Inter-machine comparison of intrinsic toroidal rotation in tokamaks Nucl. Fusion 47 1618-24 Lipschultz B. et al 2007 Plasma-surface interaction, scrape-off layer and divertor physics: implications for ITER Nucl. Fusion 47 1189-205 Loarer T. et al 2007 Gas balance and fuel retention in fusion devices Nucl. Fusion 47 1112-20 Garcia O.E et al 2007 Fluctuations and transport in the TCV scrape-off layer Nucl. Fusion 47 667-76 Zonca F. et al 2007 Electron fishbones: theory and experimental evidence Nucl. Fusion 47 1588-97 Maggi C.F. et al 2007 Characteristics of the H-mode pedestal in improved confinement scenarios in ASDEX Upgrade, DIII-D, JET and JT-60U Nucl. Fusion 47 535-51 Yoshida M. et al 2007 Momentum transport and plasma rotation profile in toroidal direction in JT-60U L-mode plasmas Nucl. Fusion 47 856-63 Zohm H. et al 2007 Control of MHD instabilities by ECCD: ASDEX Upgrade results and implications for ITER Nucl. Fusion 47 228-32 Snyder P.B. et al 2007 Stability and dynamics of the edge pedestal in the low collisionality regime: physics mechanisms for steady-state ELM-free operation Nucl. Fusion 47 961-8 Urano H. et al 2007 H-mode pedestal structure in the variation of toroidal rotation and toroidal field ripple in JT-60U Nucl. Fusion 47 706-13 Günter S. et al 2007 Interaction of energetic particles with large and small scale instabilities Nucl. Fusion 47 920-8

Effects of Long- and Intermediate-Wavelength Nonuniformities on Hot-Spot Energetics of Hydrodynamic Equivalent Targets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bose, A.; Betti, R.; Woo, K. M.; Christopherson, A. R.; Shvarts, D.

2015-11-01

The impact of intermediate- and low-mode nonuniformities on the performance of inertial confinement fusion (ICF) implosions is investigated by a detailed study of hot-spot energetics. It is found that low- (1 ~ 2) and intermediate-mode (1 >= 10) asymmetries affect the hot-spot hydrodynamics in very different ways. It is observed that for low-mode asymmetries, the fusion yield decreases because of a significant reduction in hot-spot pressure while the neutron-averaged hot-spot volume remains comparable to that of unperturbed (clean) simulations. On the other hand, implosions with moderate-amplitude, intermediate-wavelength modes, which are amplified by the Rayleigh-Taylor instability (RTI), exhibit a fusion-yield degradation primarily caused by a reduction in the burn volume without significant degradation of the pressure. For very large amplitudes, the intermediate modes show a ``secondary piston effect,'' where the converging RTI spikes compress a much smaller volume, allowing for a secondary conversion of the shell's kinetic energy to internal energy at a central region. Understanding the effects of nonuniformities on the hot-spot energetics provides valuable insight in determining the causes of performance degradation in current ICF experiments. This material is based upon work supported by the Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration under Award Number DE-NA0001944 and DE-FC02-04ER54789 (Fusion Science Center).

Mass production of shaped particles through vortex ring freezing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

An, Duo; Warning, Alex; Yancey, Kenneth G.; Chang, Chun-Ti; Kern, Vanessa R.; Datta, Ashim K.; Steen, Paul H.; Luo, Dan; Ma, Minglin

2016-08-01

A vortex ring is a torus-shaped fluidic vortex. During its formation, the fluid experiences a rich variety of intriguing geometrical intermediates from spherical to toroidal. Here we show that these constantly changing intermediates can be `frozen' at controlled time points into particles with various unusual and unprecedented shapes. These novel vortex ring-derived particles, are mass-produced by employing a simple and inexpensive electrospraying technique, with their sizes well controlled from hundreds of microns to millimetres. Guided further by theoretical analyses and a laminar multiphase fluid flow simulation, we show that this freezing approach is applicable to a broad range of materials from organic polysaccharides to inorganic nanoparticles. We demonstrate the unique advantages of these vortex ring-derived particles in several applications including cell encapsulation, three-dimensional cell culture, and cell-free protein production. Moreover, compartmentalization and ordered-structures composed of these novel particles are all achieved, creating opportunities to engineer more sophisticated hierarchical materials.

The non-resonant kink modes triggering strong sawtooth-like crashes in the EAST tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Erzhong; Igochine, V.; Dumbrajs, O.; Xu, L.; Chen, K.; Shi, T.; Hu, L.

2014-12-01

Evolution of the safety factor (q) profile during L-H transitions in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) was accompanied by strong core crashes prior to regular sawtooth behavior. These crashes appeared in the absence of q = 1 (q is the safety factor) rational surface inside the plasma. Analysis indicates that the m/n = 2/1 tearing mode is destabilized and phase-locked with the m/n = 1/1 non-resonant kink mode (the q = 1 rational surface is absent) due to the self-consistent evolution of plasma profiles as the L-H transition occurs (m and n are the poloidal and toroidal mode numbers, respectively). The growing m/n = 1/1 mode destabilizes the m/n = 2/2 kink mode which eventually triggers the strong crash due to an anomalous heat conductivity, as predicted by the transport model of stochastic magnetic fields using experimental parameters. It is also shown that the magnetic topology changes with the amplitude of m/n = 2/2 mode and the value of center safety factor in a reasonable range.

Tokamak with mechanical compression of toroidal magnetic field

DOEpatents

Ohkawa, Tihiro

1981-01-01

A tokamak apparatus includes a pressure vessel for defining a reservoir and confining liquid therein. A collapsible toroidal liner disposed within the pressure vessel defines a toroidal space within the liner. Liquid metal fills the reservoir outside said liner. A toroidal magnetic field is developed within the toroidal space about the major axis thereof. A toroidal plasma is developed within the toroidal space about the major axis thereof. Pressure is applied to the liquid metal to collapse the liner and reduce the volume of the toroidal space, thereby increasing the toroidal magnetic flux density therein.

Progress on the application of ELM control schemes to ITER scenarios from the non-active phase to DT operation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loarte, A.; Huijsmans, G.; Futatani, S.; Baylor, L. R.; Evans, T. E.; Orlov, D. M.; Schmitz, O.; Becoulet, M.; Cahyna, P.; Gribov, Y.; Kavin, A.; Sashala Naik, A.; Campbell, D. J.; Casper, T.; Daly, E.; Frerichs, H.; Kischner, A.; Laengner, R.; Lisgo, S.; Pitts, R. A.; Saibene, G.; Wingen, A.

2014-03-01

Progress in the definition of the requirements for edge localized mode (ELM) control and the application of ELM control methods both for high fusion performance DT operation and non-active low-current operation in ITER is described. Evaluation of the power fluxes for low plasma current H-modes in ITER shows that uncontrolled ELMs will not lead to damage to the tungsten (W) divertor target, unlike for high-current H-modes in which divertor damage by uncontrolled ELMs is expected. Despite the lack of divertor damage at lower currents, ELM control is found to be required in ITER under these conditions to prevent an excessive contamination of the plasma by W, which could eventually lead to an increased disruptivity. Modelling with the non-linear MHD code JOREK of the physics processes determining the flow of energy from the confined plasma onto the plasma-facing components during ELMs at the ITER scale shows that the relative contribution of conductive and convective losses is intrinsically linked to the magnitude of the ELM energy loss. Modelling of the triggering of ELMs by pellet injection for DIII-D and ITER has identified the minimum pellet size required to trigger ELMs and, from this, the required fuel throughput for the application of this technique to ITER is evaluated and shown to be compatible with the installed fuelling and tritium re-processing capabilities in ITER. The evaluation of the capabilities of the ELM control coil system in ITER for ELM suppression is carried out (in the vacuum approximation) and found to have a factor of ˜2 margin in terms of coil current to achieve its design criterion, although such a margin could be substantially reduced when plasma shielding effects are taken into account. The consequences for the spatial distribution of the power fluxes at the divertor of ELM control by three-dimensional (3D) fields are evaluated and found to lead to substantial toroidal asymmetries in zones of the divertor target away from the separatrix. Therefore, specifications for the rotation of the 3D perturbation applied for ELM control in order to avoid excessive localized erosion of the ITER divertor target are derived. It is shown that a rotation frequency in excess of 1 Hz for the whole toroidally asymmetric divertor power flux pattern is required (corresponding to n Hz frequency in the variation of currents in the coils, where n is the toroidal symmetry of the perturbation applied) in order to avoid unacceptable thermal cycling of the divertor target for the highest power fluxes and worst toroidal power flux asymmetries expected. The possible use of the in-vessel vertical stability coils for ELM control as a back-up to the main ELM control systems in ITER is described and the feasibility of its application to control ELMs in low plasma current H-modes, foreseen for initial ITER operation, is evaluated and found to be viable for plasma currents up to 5-10 MA depending on modelling assumptions.

Analysis of Alfvén eigenmode destabilization by energetic particles in Large Helical Device using a Landau-closure model

DOE PAGES

Varela, Jacobo Rodriguez; Spong, D. A.; Garcia, L.

2017-03-06

Here, energetic particle populations in nuclear fusion experiments can destabilize the Alfvén Eigenmodes through inverse Landau damping and couplings with gap modes in the shear Alfvén continua. We use the reduced MHD equations to describe the linear evolution of the poloidal flux and the toroidal component of the vorticity in a full 3D system, coupled with equations of density and parallel velocity moments for the energetic particles. We add the Landau damping and resonant destabilization effects using a closure relation. We apply the model to study the Alfvén mode stability in the inward-shifted configurations of the Large Helical Device (LHD), performing a parametric analysis of the energetic particle β (more » $${{\\beta}_{f}}$$ ) in a range of realistic values, the ratios of the energetic particle thermal/Alfvén velocities ($${{V}_{\\text{th}}}/{{V}_{A0}}$$ ), the magnetic Lundquist numbers (S) and the toroidal modes (n). The n = 1 and n = 2 TAEs are destabilized, although the n = 3 and n = 4 TAEs are weakly perturbed. The most unstable configurations are associated with the density gradients of energetic particles in the plasma core: the TAEs are destabilized, even for small energetic particle populations, if their thermal velocity is lower than 0.4 times the Alfvén velocity. The frequency range of MHD bursts measured in the LHD are 50–70 kHz for the n = 1 and 60–80 kHz for the n = 2 TAE, which is consistent with the model predictions.« less

Stochastic effects on phase-space holes and clumps in kinetic systems near marginal stability

DOE PAGES

Woods, Benjamin J. Q.; Duarte, Vinicius N.; De-Gol, Anthony J.; ...

2018-01-23

The creation and subsequent evolution of marginally-unstable modes have been observed in a wide range of fusion devices. This behaviour has been successfully explained, for a single frequency shifting mode, in terms of phase-space structures known as a 'hole' and 'clump'. Here in this paper, we introduce stochasticity into a 1D kinetic model, affecting the formation and evolution of resonant modes in the system. We find that noise in the fast particle distribution or electric field leads to a shift in the asymptotic behaviour of a chirping resonant mode; this noise heuristically maps onto radial microturbulence via canonical toroidal momentummore » scattering, affecting hole and clump formation. While the mechanism allowing for the formation of the hole and clump is coherent, the lifetime of a hole and clump is shown to be highly sensitive to initial conditions, affecting the temporal profile of a single bursting event in mode amplitude.« less

Magnetic Control of Locked Modes in Present Devices and ITER

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Volpe, F. A.; Sabbagh, S.; Sweeney, R.; Hender, T.; Kirk, A.; La Haye, R. J.; Strait, E. J.; Ding, Y. H.; Rao, B.; Fietz, S.; Maraschek, M.; Frassinetti, L.; in, Y.; Jeon, Y.; Sakakihara, S.

2014-10-01

The toroidal phase of non-rotating (``locked'') neoclassical tearing modes was controlled in several devices by means of applied magnetic perturbations. Evidence is presented from various tokamaks (ASDEX Upgrade, DIII-D, JET, J-TEXT, KSTAR), spherical tori (MAST, NSTX) and a reversed field pinch (EXTRAP-T2R). Furthermore, the phase of interchange modes was controlled in the LHD helical device. These results share a common interpretation in terms of torques acting on the mode. Based on this interpretation, it is predicted that control-coil currents will be sufficient to control the phase of locking in ITER. This will be possible both with the internal coils and with the external error-field-correction coils, and might have promising consequences for disruption avoidance (by aiding the electron cyclotron current drive stabilization of locked modes), as well as for spatially distributing heat loads during disruptions. This work was supported in part by the US Department of Energy under DE-SC0008520, DE-FC-02-04ER54698 and DE-AC02-09CH11466.

Stochastic effects on phase-space holes and clumps in kinetic systems near marginal stability

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Woods, Benjamin J. Q.; Duarte, Vinicius N.; De-Gol, Anthony J.

The creation and subsequent evolution of marginally-unstable modes have been observed in a wide range of fusion devices. This behaviour has been successfully explained, for a single frequency shifting mode, in terms of phase-space structures known as a 'hole' and 'clump'. Here in this paper, we introduce stochasticity into a 1D kinetic model, affecting the formation and evolution of resonant modes in the system. We find that noise in the fast particle distribution or electric field leads to a shift in the asymptotic behaviour of a chirping resonant mode; this noise heuristically maps onto radial microturbulence via canonical toroidal momentummore » scattering, affecting hole and clump formation. While the mechanism allowing for the formation of the hole and clump is coherent, the lifetime of a hole and clump is shown to be highly sensitive to initial conditions, affecting the temporal profile of a single bursting event in mode amplitude.« less

Multi-layered mode structure of locked-tearing-modes after unlocking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okabayashi, Michio; Logan, N.; Tobias, B.; Wang, Z.; Budny, B.; Nazikian, R.; Strait, E.; La Haye, R.; Paz-Soldan, C. J.; Ferraro, N.; Shiraki, D.; Hanson, J.; Zanca, P.; Paccagnella, R.

2015-11-01

Prevention of m/n=2/1 tearing modes (TM) by electro-magnetic torque injection has been successful in DIII-D and RFX-mod where plasma conditions and plasma shape are completely different. Understanding the internal structure in the post-unlocked phase is a pre-requisite to its application to reactor relevant plasmas such as in ITER. Ti and toroidal rotation perturbations show there exist several radially different TM layers. However, the phase shift between the applied field and the plasma response is rather small from plasma edge to the q ~3 domain, indicating that a kink-like response prevails. The biggest threat for sustaining an unlocked 2/1 mode is sudden distortion of the rotational profile due to the internal mode reconnection. Possible TM layer structure will be discussed with numerical MHD codes and TRANSP. This work is supported in part by the US Department of Energy under DE-AC02-09CH11466, DE-FG02-99ER54531, DE-SC0003913, and DE-FC02-04ER54698.

Alpha-Driven MHD and MHD-Induced Alpha Loss in TFTR DT Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Zuoyang

1996-11-01

Theoretical calculation and numerical simulation indicate that there can be interesting interactions between alpha particles and MHD activity which can adversely affect the performance of a tokamak reactor (e.g., ITER). These interactions include alpha-driven MHD, like the toroidicity-induced-Alfven-eigenmode (TAE) and MHD induced alpha particle losses or redistribution. Both phenomena have been observed in recent TFTR DT experiments. Weak alpha-driven TAE activity was observed in a NBI-heated DT experiment characterized by high q0 ( >= 2) and low core magnetic shear. The TAE mode appears at ~30-100 ms after the neutral beam turning off approximately as predicted by theory. The mode has an amplitude measured by magnetic coils at the edge tildeB_p ~1 mG, frequency ~150-190 kHz and toroidal mode number ~2-3. It lasts only ~ 30-70 ms and has been seen only in DT discharges with fusion power level about 1.5-2.0 MW. Numerical calculation using NOVA-K code shows that this type of plasma has a big TAE gap. The calculated TAE frequency and mode number are close to the observation. (2) KBM-induced alpha particle loss^1. In some high-β, high fusion power DT experiments, enhanced alpha particle losses were observed to be correlated to the high frequency MHD modes with f ~100-200 kHz (the TAE frequency would be two-times higher) and n ~5-10. These modes are localized around the peak plasma pressure gradient and have ballooning characteristics. Alpha loss increases by 30-100% during the modes. Particle orbit simulations show the added loss results from wave-particle resonance. Linear instability analysis indicates that the plasma is unstable to the kinetic MHD ballooning modes (KBM) driven primarily by strong local pressure gradients. ----------------- ^1Z. Chang, et al, Phys. Rev. Lett. 76 (1996) 1071. In collaberation with R. Nazikian, G.-Y. Fu, S. Batha, R. Budny, L. Chen, D. Darrow, E. Fredrickson, R. Majeski, D. Mansfield, K. McGuire, G. Rewoldt, G. Taylor, R. White, K.-L. Wong and S. Zweben, Princeton Plasma Physics Lab. Department of Physics, University of California, Irvine, CA 92717 ^*Work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy DoE Contract No. DE-AC02-76CH03073.

Non-axisymmetric ideal equilibrium and stability of ITER plasmas with rotating RMPs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ham, C. J.; Cramp, R. G. J.; Gibson, S.; Lazerson, S. A.; Chapman, I. T.; Kirk, A.

2016-08-01

The magnetic perturbations produced by the resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP) coils will be rotated in ITER so that the spiral patterns due to strike point splitting which are locked to the RMP also rotate. This is to ensure even power deposition on the divertor plates. VMEC equilibria are calculated for different phases of the RMP rotation. It is demonstrated that the off harmonics rotate in the opposite direction to the main harmonic. This is an important topic for future research to control and optimize ITER appropriately. High confinement mode (H-mode) is favourable for the economics of a potential fusion power plant and its use is planned in ITER. However, the high pressure gradient at the edge of the plasma can trigger periodic eruptions called edge localized modes (ELMs). ELMs have the potential to shorten the life of the divertor in ITER (Loarte et al 2003 Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 45 1549) and so methods for mitigating or suppressing ELMs in ITER will be important. Non-axisymmetric RMP coils will be installed in ITER for ELM control. Sampling theory is used to show that there will be significant a {{n}\\text{coils}}-{{n}\\text{rmp}} harmonic sideband. There are nine coils toroidally in ITER so {{n}\\text{coils}}=9 . This results in a significant n  =  6 component to the {{n}\\text{rmp}}=3 applied field and a significant n  =  5 component to the {{n}\\text{rmp}}=4 applied field. Although the vacuum field has similar amplitudes of these harmonics the plasma response to the various harmonics dictates the final equilibrium. Magnetic perturbations with toroidal mode number n  =  3 and n  =  4 are applied to a 15 MA, {{q}95}≈ 3 burning ITER plasma. We use a three-dimensional ideal magnetohydrodynamic model (VMEC) to calculate ITER equilibria with applied RMPs and to determine growth rates of infinite n ballooning modes (COBRA). The {{n}\\text{rmp}}=4 case shows little change in ballooning mode growth rate as the RMP is rotated, however there is a change with rotation for the {{n}\\text{rmp}}=3 case.

Scenario development during commissioning operations on the National Spherical Torus Experiment Upgrade

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Battaglia, D. J.; Boyer, M. D.; Gerhardt, S.; Mueller, D.; Myers, C. E.; Guttenfelder, W.; Menard, J. E.; Sabbagh, S. A.; Scotti, F.; Bedoya, F.; Bell, R. E.; Berkery, J. W.; Diallo, A.; Ferraro, N.; Kaye, S. M.; Jaworski, M. A.; LeBlanc, B. P.; Ono, M.; Park, J.-K.; Podesta, M.; Raman, R.; Soukhanovskii, V.; NSTX-U Research, the; Operations; Engineering Team

2018-04-01

The National Spherical Torus Experiment Upgrade (NSTX-U) will advance the physics basis required for achieving steady-state, high-beta, and high-confinement conditions in a tokamak by accessing high toroidal fields (1 T) and plasma currents (1.0-2.0 MA) in a low aspect ratio geometry (A  =  1.6-1.8) with flexible auxiliary heating systems (12 MW NBI, 6 MW HHFW). This paper describes the progress in the development of L- and H-mode discharge scenarios and the commissioning of operational tools in the first ten weeks of operation that enable the scientific mission of NSTX-U. Vacuum field calculations completed prior to operations supported the rapid development and optimization of inductive breakdown at different values of ohmic solenoid current. The toroidal magnetic field (B T0  =  0.65 T) exceeded the maximum values achieved on NSTX and novel long-pulse L-mode discharges with regular sawtooth activity exceeded the longest pulses produced on NSTX (t pulse  >  1.8 s). The increased flux of the central solenoid facilitated the development of stationary L-mode discharges over a range of density and plasma current (I p). H-mode discharges achieved similar levels of stored energy, confinement (H98y,2  >  1) and stability (β N/β N-nowall  >  1) compared to NSTX discharges for I p  ⩽  1 MA. High-performance H-mode scenarios require an L-H transition early in the I p ramp-up phase in order to obtain low internal inductance (l i) throughout the discharge, which is conducive to maintaining vertical stability at high elongation (κ  >  2.2) and achieving long periods of MHD quiescent operations. The rapid progress in developing L- and H-mode scenarios in support of the scientific program was enabled by advances in real-time plasma control, efficient error field identification and correction, effective conditioning of the graphite wall and excellent diagnostic availability.

Stability and Control of Burning Tokamak Plasmas with Resistive Walls: Final Technical Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Miller, George; Brennan, Dylan; Cole, Andrew

This project is focused on theoretical and computational development for quantitative prediction of the stability and control of the equilibrium state evolution in toroidal burning plasmas, including its interaction with the surrounding resistive wall. The stability of long pulse burning plasmas is highly sensitive to the physics of resonant layers in the plasma, sources of momentum and flow, kinetic effects of energetic particles, and boundary conditions at the wall, including feedback control and error fields. In ITER in particular, the low toroidal flow equilibrium state, sustained primarily by energetic alpha particles from fusion reactions, will require the consideration of allmore » of these key elements to predict quantitatively the stability and evolution. The principal investigators on this project have performed theoretical and computational analyses, guided by analytic modeling, to address this physics in realistic configurations. The overall goal has been to understand the key physics mechanisms that describe stable toroidal burning plasmas under active feedback control. Several relevant achievements have occurred during this project, leading to publications and invited conference presentations. In theoretical efforts, with the physics of the resonant layers, resistive wall, and toroidal momentum transport included, this study has extended from cylindrical resistive plasma - resistive wall models with feedback control to toroidal geometry with strong shaping to study mode coupling effects on the stability. These results have given insight into combined tearing and resistive wall mode behavior in simulations and experiment, while enabling a rapid exploration of plasma parameter space, to identify possible domains of interest for large plasma codes to investigate in more detail. Resonant field amplification and quasilinear torques in the presence of error fields and velocity shear have also been investigated. Here it was found, surprisingly, that the Maxwell torque on resonant layers in the plasma which exhibit finite real frequencies ωr in their response is significantly different from the conventional results based on tearing layers with pure real growth (or damping) rates. This observation suggests the possibility that the torque on the tearing layers can lock the plasma rotation to this finite phase velocity, which may lead to locking in which velocity shear is maintained. More broadly, the sources of all torques driving flows in magnetic confinement experiments is not fully understood, and this theoretical work may shed light on puzzling experimental results. It was also found that real frequencies occur over a wide range of plasma response regimes, and are indeed the norm and not the exception, often leading to profound effects on the locking torque. Also, the influence of trapped energetic ions orbiting over the resistive plasma mode structure, a critical effect in burning plasmas, was investigated through analytic modeling and analysis of simulations and experiment. This effort has shown that energetic ions can drive the development of disruptive instabilities, but also damp and stabilize the instabilities, depending on the details of the shear in the equilibrium magnetic field. This finding could be critical to maintaining stable operations in burning plasmas. In the most recent work, a series of simulations have been conducted to study the effect of differential flow and energetic ion effects on entry to the onset of a disruptive instability in the most realistic conditions possible, with preexisting nonlinearly saturated benign instabilities. Throughout this work, the linear and quasilinear theory of resonant layers with differential flow between them, their interaction with resistive wall and error fields, and energetic ions effects, have been used to understand realistic simulations of mode onset and the experimental discharges they represent. These studies will continue to answer remaining questions about the relation between theoretical results obtained in this project and observations of the onset and evolution of disruptive instabilities in experiment.« less

Tokamak with liquid metal toroidal field coil

DOEpatents

Ohkawa, Tihiro; Schaffer, Michael J.

1981-01-01

Tokamak apparatus includes a pressure vessel for defining a reservoir and confining liquid therein. A toroidal liner disposed within the pressure vessel defines a toroidal space within the liner. Liquid metal fills the reservoir outside said liner. Electric current is passed through the liquid metal over a conductive path linking the toroidal space to produce a toroidal magnetic field within the toroidal space about the major axis thereof. Toroidal plasma is developed within the toroidal space about the major axis thereof.

Extremely small-core photonic crystal fiber fusion splicing with a single-mode fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tiburcio, Bruno D.; Fernandes, Gil M.; Pinto, Armando N.

2013-11-01

We present a low-loss fusion splicing of a non-linear photonic-crystal fiber (NL-PCF) with a single-mode fiber (SMF), helped by an intermediate fiber, using a electric-arc splicer. We also analysed the splice loss between SMF and intermediate fiber, as a function of the electrical discharge duration, to achieve a low-loss transition between SMF and intermediate fiber, through a thermally expanded core splice (TEC). The NL-PCF has a external cladding diameter of 105 μm, a core diameter of 1.7 μm and mode-field diameter (MFD) of 1.5 μm. We also performed mechanical strength tests to verify the robustness of the splice joints obtained.

Nonlinear MHD simulations of QH-mode DIII-D plasmas and implications for ITER high Q scenarios

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, F.; Huijsmans, G. T. A.; Loarte, A.; Garofalo, A. M.; Solomon, W. M.; Hoelzl, M.; Nkonga, B.; Pamela, S.; Becoulet, M.; Orain, F.; Van Vugt, D.

2018-01-01

In nonlinear MHD simulations of DIII-D QH-mode plasmas it has been found that low n kink/peeling modes (KPMs) are unstable and grow to a saturated kink-peeling mode. The features of the dominant saturated KPMs, which are localised toroidally by nonlinear coupling of harmonics, such as mode frequencies, density fluctuations and their effect on pedestal particle and energy transport, are in good agreement with the observations of the edge harmonic oscillation typically present in DIII-D QH-mode experiments. The nonlinear evolution of MHD modes including both kink-peeling modes and ballooning modes, is investigated through MHD simulations by varying the pedestal current and pressure relative to the initial conditions of DIII-D QH-mode plasma. The edge current and pressure at the pedestal are key parameters for the plasma either saturating to a QH-mode regime or a ballooning mode dominant regime. The influence of E × B flow and its shear on the QH-mode plasma has been investigated. E × B flow shear has a strong stabilisation effect on the medium to high-n modes but is destabilising for the n = 2 mode. The QH-mode extrapolation results of an ITER Q = 10 plasma show that the pedestal currents are large enough to destabilise n = 1-5 KPMs, leading to a stationary saturated kink-peeling mode.

Oscillating field current drive experiments in the Madison Symmetric Torus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blair, Arthur P., Jr.

Oscillating Field Current Drive (OFCD) is an inductive current drive method for toroidal pinches. To test OFCD, two 280 Hz 2 MVA oscillators were installed in the toroidal and poloidal magnetic field circuits of the Madison Symmetric Torus (MST) Reversed Field Pinch (RFP.) Partial sustainment experiments were conducted where the two voltage oscillations were superimposed on the standard MST power supplies. Supplementary current drive of about 10% has been demonstrated, comparable to theoretical predictions. However, maximum current drive does not coincide with maximum helicity injection rate - possibly due to an observed dependence of core and edge tearing modes on the relative phase of the oscillators. A dependence of wall interactions on phase was also observed, the largest interaction coinciding with negative current drive. Experiments were conducted at 280 and 530 Hz. 530 Hz proved to be too high and yielded little or no net current drive. Experiments at 280 Hz proved more fruitful. A 1D relaxed state model was used to predict the effects of voltage amplitudes, frequencies, and waveforms on performance and to optimize the design of OFCD hardware. Predicted current drive was comparable to experimental values, though the aforementioned phase dependence was not. Comparisons were also made with a more comprehensive 3D model which proved to be a more accurate predictor of current drive. Both 1D and 3D models predicted the feasability of full sustainment via OFCD. Experiments were also conducted with only the toroidal field oscillator applied. An entrainment of the natural sawtooth frequency to our applied oscillation was observed as well as a slow modulation of the edge tearing mode amplitudes. A large modulation (20 to 80 eV) of the ion temperature was also observed that can be partially accounted for by collisional heating via magnetic pumping. Work is in progress to increase the power of the existing OFCD hardware.

Tokamak with in situ magnetohydrodynamic generation of toroidal magnetic field

DOEpatents

Schaffer, Michael J.

1986-01-01

A tokamak apparatus includes an electrically conductive metal pressure vessel for defining a chamber and confining liquid therein. A liner disposed within said chamber defines a toroidal space within the liner and confines gas therein. The metal vessel provides an electrically conductive path linking the toroidal space. Liquid metal is forced outwardly through the chamber outside of the toroidal space to generate electric current in the conductive path and thereby generate a toroidal magnetic field within the toroidal space. Toroidal plasma is developed within the toroidal space about the major axis thereof.

A Theoretical Probe for Excitation Mechanisms of Sun-like and Mira-like Oscillations of Stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiong, Da-run; Deng, Li-cai

2013-01-01

The linear nonadiabatic oscillations for evolutionary models of 0.6- 3M8 stars are calculated by using a nonlocal and time-dependent convection theory. The results show that in the HR diagram the pulsation-unstable low- temperature stars on the right side of instability strip can be divided into two groups. One group indicates the Sun-like oscillation stars composed of the main- sequence dwarfs, sub-giants and red giants (RGs) of low and intermediate lu- minosities, which are unstable in the intermediate- and high-order (n ≥ 12) p- modes, and stable in the low-order (n ≤ 5) p-modes. Another group indicates the Mira-like stars composed of the bright RGs and asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars, which are just contrary to Sun-like stars, unstable in low-order (n ≤ 5) p-modes and stable in the intermediate- and high-order (n ≥ 12) p-modes. The oscillations for the red edge of Cepheid (δ Scuti) instability strip, Sun-like and Mira-like stars can be explained uniformly by the coupling between convection and oscillation (CCO). For the low-temperature stars on the right side of in- stability strip, CCO is the dominant excitation and damping mechanism of the oscillations of low- and intermediate-order p-modes, and the turbulent stochas- tic excitation becomes important only for the high-order p-modes of Sun-like oscillations.

MHD modeling of a DIII-D low-torque QH-mode discharge and comparison to observations

DOE PAGES

King, Jacob R.; Kruger, S. E.; Burrell, K. H.; ...

2017-03-07

Extended-MHD modeling of DIII-D tokamak quiescent H-mode (QH-mode) discharges with nonlinear NIMROD simulations saturates into a turbulent state but does not saturate when the steady-state flow inferred from measurements is not included. This is consistent with the experimental observations of the quiescent regime on DIII-D. The simulation with flow develops into a saturated turbulent state where the n Φ = 1 and 2 toroidal modes become dominant through an inverse cascade. Each mode in the range of n Φ = 1–5 is dominant at a different time. Consistent with experimental observations during QH-mode, the simulated state leads to large particlemore » transport relative to the thermal transport. Analysis shows that the amplitude and phase of the density and temperature perturbations differ resulting in greater fluctuation-induced convective particle transport relative to the convective thermal transport. As a result, comparison to magnetic-coil measurements shows that rotation frequencies differ between the simulation and experiment, which indicates that more sophisticated extended-MHD two-fluid modeling is required.« less

On fully three-dimensional resistive wall mode and feedback stabilization computationsa)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strumberger, E.; Merkel, P.; Sempf, M.; Günter, S.

2008-05-01

Resistive walls, located close to the plasma boundary, reduce the growth rates of external kink modes to resistive time scales. For such slowly growing resistive wall modes, the stabilization by an active feedback system becomes feasible. The fully three-dimensional stability code STARWALL, and the feedback optimization code OPTIM have been developed [P. Merkel and M. Sempf, 21st IAEA Fusion Energy Conference 2006, Chengdu, China (International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, 2006, paper TH/P3-8] to compute the growth rates of resistive wall modes in the presence of nonaxisymmetric, multiply connected wall structures and to model the active feedback stabilization of these modes. In order to demonstrate the capabilities of the codes and to study the effect of the toroidal mode coupling caused by multiply connected wall structures, the codes are applied to test equilibria using the resistive wall structures currently under debate for ITER [M. Shimada et al., Nucl. Fusion 47, S1 (2007)] and ASDEX Upgrade [W. Köppendörfer et al., Proceedings of the 16th Symposium on Fusion Technology, London, 1990 (Elsevier, Amsterdam, 1991), Vol. 1, p. 208].

Rotational Shear Effects on Edge Harmonic Oscillations in DIII-D Quiescent H-mode Discharges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xi; Burrell, K. H.; Ferraro, N. M.; Osborne, T. H.; Austin, M. E.; Garofalo, A. M.; Groebner, R. J.; Kramer, G. J.; Luhmann, N. C., Jr.; McKee, G. R.; Muscatello, C. M.; Nazikian, R.; Ren, X.; Snyder, P. B.; Solomon, Wm.; Tobias, B. J.; Yan, Z.

2015-11-01

In quiescent H-mode (QH) regime, the edge harmonic oscillations (EHO) play an important role in avoiding the transient ELM power fluxes by providing benign and continuous edge particle transport. A detailed theoretical, experimental and modeling comparison has been made of low-n (n <= 5) EHO in DIII-D QH-mode plasmas. The calculated linear eigenmode structure from the extended MHD code M3D-C1 matches closely the coherent EHO properties from external magnetics data and internal measurements using the ECE, BES, ECE-I and MIR diagnostics, as well as the kink/peeling mode properties of the ideal MHD code ELITE. The numerical investigations indicate that the low-n EHO-like solutions from M3D-C1 are destabilized by the toroidal rotational shear while high-n modes are stabilized. This effect is independent of the rotation direction, suggesting that the low-n EHO can be destabilized in principle with rotation in both directions. These modeling results are consistent with experimental observations of the EHO and support the proposed theory of the EHO as a rotational shear driven kink/peeling mode.

On fully three-dimensional resistive wall mode and feedback stabilization computations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Strumberger, E.; Merkel, P.; Sempf, M.

2008-05-15

Resistive walls, located close to the plasma boundary, reduce the growth rates of external kink modes to resistive time scales. For such slowly growing resistive wall modes, the stabilization by an active feedback system becomes feasible. The fully three-dimensional stability code STARWALL, and the feedback optimization code OPTIM have been developed [P. Merkel and M. Sempf, 21st IAEA Fusion Energy Conference 2006, Chengdu, China (International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, 2006, paper TH/P3-8] to compute the growth rates of resistive wall modes in the presence of nonaxisymmetric, multiply connected wall structures and to model the active feedback stabilization of these modes.more » In order to demonstrate the capabilities of the codes and to study the effect of the toroidal mode coupling caused by multiply connected wall structures, the codes are applied to test equilibria using the resistive wall structures currently under debate for ITER [M. Shimada et al., Nucl. Fusion 47, S1 (2007)] and ASDEX Upgrade [W. Koeppendoerfer et al., Proceedings of the 16th Symposium on Fusion Technology, London, 1990 (Elsevier, Amsterdam, 1991), Vol. 1, p. 208].« less

MHD modeling of a DIII-D low-torque QH-mode discharge and comparison to observations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

King, Jacob R.; Kruger, S. E.; Burrell, K. H.

Extended-MHD modeling of DIII-D tokamak quiescent H-mode (QH-mode) discharges with nonlinear NIMROD simulations saturates into a turbulent state but does not saturate when the steady-state flow inferred from measurements is not included. This is consistent with the experimental observations of the quiescent regime on DIII-D. The simulation with flow develops into a saturated turbulent state where the n Φ = 1 and 2 toroidal modes become dominant through an inverse cascade. Each mode in the range of n Φ = 1–5 is dominant at a different time. Consistent with experimental observations during QH-mode, the simulated state leads to large particlemore » transport relative to the thermal transport. Analysis shows that the amplitude and phase of the density and temperature perturbations differ resulting in greater fluctuation-induced convective particle transport relative to the convective thermal transport. As a result, comparison to magnetic-coil measurements shows that rotation frequencies differ between the simulation and experiment, which indicates that more sophisticated extended-MHD two-fluid modeling is required.« less

The universal instability in general geometry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Helander, P.; Plunk, G. G.

2015-09-15

The “universal” instability has recently been revived by Landreman et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 114, 095003 (2015)], who showed that it indeed exists in plasma geometries with straight (but sheared) magnetic field lines. Here, it is demonstrated analytically that this instability can be presented in more general sheared and toroidal geometries. In a torus, the universal instability is shown to be closely related to the trapped-electron mode, although the trapped-electron drive is usually dominant. However, this drive can be weakened or eliminated, as in the case in stellarators with the maximum-J property, leaving the parallel Landau resonance to drive amore » residual mode, which is identified as the universal instability.« less

FMEA on the superconducting torus for the Jefferson Lab 12 GeV accelerator upgrade

DOE PAGES

Ghoshal, Probir K.; Biallas, George H.; Fair, Ruben J.; ...

2015-01-16

As part of the Jefferson Lab 12GeV accelerator upgrade project, Hall B requires two conduction cooled superconducting magnets. One is a magnet system consisting of six superconducting trapezoidal racetrack-type coils assembled in a toroidal configuration and the second is an actively shielded solenoidal magnet system consisting of 5 coils. Both magnets are to be wound with Superconducting Super Collider-36 NbTi strand Rutherford cable soldered into a copper channel. This paper describes the various failure modes in torus magnet along with the failure modes that could be experienced by the torus and its interaction with the solenoid which is located inmore » close proximity.« less

NIMROD modeling of quiescent H-mode: reconstruction considerations and saturation mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

King, J. R.; Burrell, K. H.; Garofalo, A. M.; Groebner, R. J.; Kruger, S. E.; Pankin, A. Y.; Snyder, P. B.

2017-02-01

The extended-MHD NIMROD code (Sovinec and King 2010 J. Comput. Phys. 229 5803) models broadband-MHD activity from a reconstruction of a quiescent H-mode shot on the DIII-D tokamak (Luxon 2002 Nucl. Fusion 42 614). Computations with the reconstructed toroidal and poloidal ion flows exhibit low-{{n}φ} perturbations ({{n}φ}≃ 1 -5) that grow and saturate into a turbulent-like MHD state. The workflow used to project the reconstructed state onto the NIMROD basis functions re-solves the Grad-Shafranov equation and extrapolates profiles to include scrape-off-layer currents. Evaluation of the transport from the turbulent-like MHD state leads to a relaxation of the density and temperature profiles.

Stationary multifaceted asymmetric radiation from the edge and improved confinement mode in a superconducting tokamak.

PubMed

Gao, X; Xie, J K; Wan, Y X; Ushigusa, K; Wan, B N; Zhang, S Y; Li, J; Kuang, G L

2002-01-01

Stationary multifaceted asymmetric radiation from the edge (MARFE) is studied by gas-puffing feedback control according to an empirical MARFE critical density ( approximately 1.8 x 10(13) cm(-3)) in the HT-7 Ohmic discharges (where the plasma current I(p) is about 170 kA, loop voltage V(loop)=2-3 V, toroidal field B(T)=1.9 T, and Z(eff)=3-4). It is observed that an improved confinement mode characterized by D(alpha) line emissions drops and the line-averaged density increase is triggered in the stationary MARFE discharges. The mode is not a symmetric "detachment" state, because the quasi-steady-state poloidally asymmetric radiation (e.g., C III line emissions) still exists. This phenomenon has not been predicted by the current MARFE theory.

Nuclear Resonance Vibrational Spectroscopic Definition of Peroxy Intermediates in Nonheme Iron Sites

DOE PAGES

Sutherlin, Kyle D.; Liu, Lei V.; Lee, Yong-Min; ...

2016-11-02

Fe III-(hydro)peroxy intermediates have been isolated in two classes of mononuclear nonheme Fe enzymes that are important in bioremediation: the Rieske dioxygenases and the extradiol dioxygenases. The binding mode and protonation state of the peroxide moieties in these intermediates are not well-defined, due to a lack of vibrational structural data. Nuclear resonance vibrational spectroscopy (NRVS) is an important technique for obtaining vibrational information on these and other intermediates, as it is sensitive to all normal modes with Fe displacement. Here in this paper, we present the NRVS spectra of side-on Fe III-peroxy and end-on Fe III-hydroperoxy model complexes and assignmore » these spectra using calibrated DFT calculations. We then use DFT calculations to define and understand the changes in the NRVS spectra that arise from protonation and from opening the Fe–O–O angle. This study identifies four spectroscopic handles that will enable definition of the binding mode and protonation state of Fe III-peroxy intermediates in mononuclear nonheme Fe enzymes. These structural differences are important in determining the frontier molecular orbitals available for reactivity.« less

Nuclear Resonance Vibrational Spectroscopic Definition of Peroxy Intermediates in Nonheme Iron Sites

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sutherlin, Kyle D.; Liu, Lei V.; Lee, Yong-Min

Fe III-(hydro)peroxy intermediates have been isolated in two classes of mononuclear nonheme Fe enzymes that are important in bioremediation: the Rieske dioxygenases and the extradiol dioxygenases. The binding mode and protonation state of the peroxide moieties in these intermediates are not well-defined, due to a lack of vibrational structural data. Nuclear resonance vibrational spectroscopy (NRVS) is an important technique for obtaining vibrational information on these and other intermediates, as it is sensitive to all normal modes with Fe displacement. Here in this paper, we present the NRVS spectra of side-on Fe III-peroxy and end-on Fe III-hydroperoxy model complexes and assignmore » these spectra using calibrated DFT calculations. We then use DFT calculations to define and understand the changes in the NRVS spectra that arise from protonation and from opening the Fe–O–O angle. This study identifies four spectroscopic handles that will enable definition of the binding mode and protonation state of Fe III-peroxy intermediates in mononuclear nonheme Fe enzymes. These structural differences are important in determining the frontier molecular orbitals available for reactivity.« less

Nuclear Resonance Vibrational Spectroscopic Definition of Peroxy Intermediates in Nonheme Iron Sites.

PubMed

Sutherlin, Kyle D; Liu, Lei V; Lee, Yong-Min; Kwak, Yeonju; Yoda, Yoshitaka; Saito, Makina; Kurokuzu, Masayuki; Kobayashi, Yasuhiro; Seto, Makoto; Que, Lawrence; Nam, Wonwoo; Solomon, Edward I

2016-11-02

Fe III -(hydro)peroxy intermediates have been isolated in two classes of mononuclear nonheme Fe enzymes that are important in bioremediation: the Rieske dioxygenases and the extradiol dioxygenases. The binding mode and protonation state of the peroxide moieties in these intermediates are not well-defined, due to a lack of vibrational structural data. Nuclear resonance vibrational spectroscopy (NRVS) is an important technique for obtaining vibrational information on these and other intermediates, as it is sensitive to all normal modes with Fe displacement. Here, we present the NRVS spectra of side-on Fe III -peroxy and end-on Fe III -hydroperoxy model complexes and assign these spectra using calibrated DFT calculations. We then use DFT calculations to define and understand the changes in the NRVS spectra that arise from protonation and from opening the Fe-O-O angle. This study identifies four spectroscopic handles that will enable definition of the binding mode and protonation state of Fe III -peroxy intermediates in mononuclear nonheme Fe enzymes. These structural differences are important in determining the frontier molecular orbitals available for reactivity.

Global linear gyrokinetic simulation of energetic particle-driven instabilities in the LHD stellarator

DOE PAGES

Spong, Donald A.; Holod, Ihor; Todo, Y.; ...

2017-06-23

Energetic particles are inherent to toroidal fusion systems and can drive instabilities in the Alfvén frequency range, leading to decreased heating efficiency, high heat fluxes on plasma-facing components, and decreased ignition margin. The applicability of global gyrokinetic simulation methods to macroscopic instabilities has now been demonstrated and it is natural to extend these methods to 3D configurations such as stellarators, tokamaks with 3D coils and reversed field pinch helical states. This has been achieved by coupling the GTC global gyrokinetic PIC model to the VMEC equilibrium model, including 3D effects in the field solvers and particle push. Here, this papermore » demonstrates the application of this new capability to the linearized analysis of Alfvénic instabilities in the LHD stellarator. For normal shear iota profiles, toroidal Alfvén instabilities in the n = 1 and 2 toroidal mode families are unstable with frequencies in the 75 to 110 kHz range. Also, an LHD case with non-monotonic shear is considered, indicating reductions in growth rate for the same energetic particle drive. Finally, since 3D magnetic fields will be present to some extent in all fusion devices, the extension of gyrokinetic models to 3D configurations is an important step for the simulation of future fusion systems.« less

The Pegasus-Upgrade Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fonck, R. J.; Bongard, M. W.; Barr, J. L.; Frerichs, H. G.; Lewicki, B. T.; Reusch, J. A.; Schmitz, O.; Winz, G. R.

2015-11-01

Tokamak operation at near-unity aspect ratio provides access to advanced tokamak physics at modest parameters. High plasma current is accessible at very low toroidal field. This offers H-mode performance at Te levels that allow use of electrostatic and magnetic probe arrays through the edge pedestal region into the plasma core. An upgrade to the Pegasus ST is planned to exploit these features and pursue unique studies in three areas: local measurements of pedestal and ELM dynamics at Alfvenic timescales; direct measurement of the local plasma response to application of 3D magnetic perturbations with high spectral flexibility; and extension of Local Helicity Injection for nonsolenoidal startup to NSTX-U-relevant confinement and stability regimes. Significant but relatively low-cost upgrades to the facility are proposed: a new centerstack with larger solenoid and 2x the number of toroidal field conductors; a new TF power supply and conversion of the 200 MVA OH power supply to a cascaded multilevel inverter configuration; and installation of an extensive 3D-magnetic perturbation coil system for ELM mitigation and suppression studies. The upgraded facility will provide 0.3 MA plasmas with pulse lengths of 50-100 msec flattop, aspect ratio <1.25, and toroidal field up to 0.4 T. These research activities will be integrated into related efforts on DIII-D and NSTX-U. Work supported by US DOE grant DE-FG02-96ER54375.

Two-Fluid Extensions to the M3D CDX-U Validation Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Breslau, J.; Strauss, H.; Sugiyama, L.

2005-10-01

As part of a cross-code verification and validation effort, both the M3D code [1] and the NIMROD code [2] have qualitatively reproduced the nonlinear behavior of a complete sawtooth cycle in the CDX-U tokamak, chosen for the study because its low temperature and small size puts it in a parameter regime easily accessible to both codes. Initial M3D studies on this problem used a resistive MHD model with a large, empirical perpendicular heat transport value and with modest toroidal resolution (24 toroidal planes). The success of this study prompted the pursuit of more quantitatively accurate predictions by the application of more sophisticated physical models and higher numerical resolution. The results of two consequent follow-up studies are presented here. In the first, the toroidal resolution of the original run is doubled to 48 planes. The behavior of the sawtooth in this case is essentially the same as in the lower- resolution study. The sawtooth study has also been repeated using a two-fluid plasma model, with the effects of the &*circ;i term emphasized. The resulting mode rotation, as well as the effects on the reconnection rate (sawtooth crash time), sawtooth period, and overall stability are presented. [1] W. Park, et al., Phys. Plasmas 6, 1796 (1999). [2] C. Sovinec, et al., J. Comp. Phys. 195, 355 (2004).

Nonlinearly driven harmonics of Alfvén modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, B.; Breizman, B. N.; Zheng, L. J.; Berk, H. L.

2014-01-01

In order to study the leading order nonlinear magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) harmonic response of a plasma in realistic geometry, the AEGIS code has been generalized to account for inhomogeneous source terms. These source terms are expressed in terms of the quadratic corrections that depend on the functional form of a linear MHD eigenmode, such as the Toroidal Alfvén Eigenmode. The solution of the resultant equation gives the second order harmonic response. Preliminary results are presented here.

Tripolar vortex formation in dense quantum plasma with ion-temperature-gradients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qamar, Anisa; Ata-ur-Rahman, Mirza, Arshad M.

2012-05-01

We have derived system of nonlinear equations governing the dynamics of low-frequency electrostatic toroidal ion-temperature-gradient mode for dense quantum magnetoplasma. For some specific profiles of the equilibrium density, temperature, and ion velocity gradients, the nonlinear equations admit a stationary solution in the form of a tripolar vortex. These results are relevant to understand nonlinear structure formation in dense quantum plasmas in the presence of equilibrium ion-temperature and density gradients.

Gyrokinetic modeling of impurity peaking in JET H-mode plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manas, P.; Camenen, Y.; Benkadda, S.; Weisen, H.; Angioni, C.; Casson, F. J.; Giroud, C.; Gelfusa, M.; Maslov, M.

2017-06-01

Quantitative comparisons are presented between gyrokinetic simulations and experimental values of the carbon impurity peaking factor in a database of JET H-modes during the carbon wall era. These plasmas feature strong NBI heating and hence high values of toroidal rotation and corresponding gradient. Furthermore, the carbon profiles present particularly interesting shapes for fusion devices, i.e., hollow in the core and peaked near the edge. Dependencies of the experimental carbon peaking factor ( R / L nC ) on plasma parameters are investigated via multilinear regressions. A marked correlation between R / L nC and the normalised toroidal rotation gradient is observed in the core, which suggests an important role of the rotation in establishing hollow carbon profiles. The carbon peaking factor is then computed with the gyrokinetic code GKW, using a quasi-linear approach, supported by a few non-linear simulations. The comparison of the quasi-linear predictions to the experimental values at mid-radius reveals two main regimes. At low normalised collisionality, ν * , and T e / T i < 1 , the gyrokinetic simulations quantitatively recover experimental carbon density profiles, provided that rotodiffusion is taken into account. In contrast, at higher ν * and T e / T i > 1 , the very hollow experimental carbon density profiles are never predicted by the simulations and the carbon density peaking is systematically over estimated. This points to a possible missing ingredient in this regime.

Reversed field pinch operation with intelligent shell feedback control in EXTRAP T2R

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brunsell, P. R.; Kuldkepp, M.; Menmuir, S.; Cecconello, M.; Hedqvist, A.; Yadikin, D.; Drake, J. R.; Rachlew, E.

2006-11-01

Discharges in the thin shell reversed field pinch (RFP) device EXTRAP T2R without active feedback control are characterized by growth of non-resonant m = 1 unstable resistive wall modes (RWMs) in agreement with linear MHD theory. Resonant m = 1 tearing modes (TMs) exhibit initially fast rotation and the associated perturbed radial fields at the shell are small, but eventually TMs wall-lock and give rise to a growing radial field. The increase in the radial field at the wall due to growing RWMs and wall-locked TMs is correlated with an increase in the toroidal loop voltage, which leads to discharge termination after 3-4 wall times. An active magnetic feedback control system has been installed in EXTRAP T2R. A two-dimensional array of 128 active saddle coils (pair-connected into 64 independent m = 1 coils) is used with intelligent shell feedback control to suppress the m = 1 radial field at the shell. With feedback control, active stabilization of the full toroidal spectrum of 16 unstable m = 1 non-resonant RWMs is achieved, and TM wall locking is avoided. A three-fold extension of the pulse length, up to the power supply limit, is observed. Intelligent shell feedback control is able to maintain the plasma equilibrium for 10 wall times, with plasma confinement parameters sustained at values comparable to those obtained in thick shell devices of similar size.

Modelling of three dimensional equilibrium and stability of MAST plasmas with magnetic perturbations using VMEC and COBRA

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ham, C. J., E-mail: christopher.ham@ccfe.ac.uk; Chapman, I. T.; Kirk, A.

2014-10-15

It is known that magnetic perturbations can mitigate edge localized modes (ELMs) in experiments, for example, MAST [Kirk et al., Nucl. Fusion 53, 043007 (2013)]. One hypothesis is that the magnetic perturbations cause a three dimensional corrugation of the plasma and this corrugated plasma has different stability properties to peeling-ballooning modes compared to an axisymmetric plasma. It has been shown in an up-down symmetric plasma that magnetic perturbations in tokamaks will break the usual axisymmetry of the plasma causing three dimensional displacements [Chapman et al., Plasma Phys. Controlled Fusion 54, 105013 (2012)]. We produce a free boundary three-dimensional equilibrium ofmore » a lower single null MAST relevant plasma using VMEC [S. P. Hirshman and J. C. Whitson, Phys. Fluids 26, 3553 (1983)]. The safety factor and pressure profiles used for the modelling are similar to those deduced from axisymmetric analysis of experimental data with ELMs. We focus on the effect of applying n = 3 and n = 6 magnetic perturbations using the resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP) coils. A midplane displacement of over ±1 cm is seen when the full current is applied. The current in the coils is scanned and a linear relationship between coil current and midplane displacement is found. The pressure gradient in real space in different toroidal locations is shown to change when RMPs are applied. This effect should be taken into account when diagnosing plasmas with RMPs applied. The helical Pfirsch-Schlüter currents which arise as a result of the assumption of nested flux surfaces are estimated for this equilibrium. The effect of this non-axisymmetric equilibrium on infinite n ballooning stability is investigated using COBRA [Sanchez et al., J. Comput. Phys. 161, 576–588 (2000)]. The infinite n ballooning stability is analysed for two reasons; it may give an indication of the effect of non-axisymmetry on finite n peeling-ballooning modes, responsible for ELMs; and infinite n ballooning modes are correlated to kinetic ballooning modes which are thought to limit the pressure gradient of the pedestal [Snyder et al., Phys. Plasmas 16, 056118 (2009)]. The ballooning mode growth rate gains a variation in toroidal angle. The equilibria with midplane displacements due to RMP coils have a higher ballooning mode growth rate than the axisymmetric case and the possible implications are discussed.« less

Magnetic Diagnostics Suite Upgrade on LTX- β

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hughes, P. E.; Majeski, R.; Kaita, R.; Kozub, T.; Hansen, C.; Smalley, G.; Boyle, D. P.

2017-10-01

LTX- β will be exploring a new regime of flat temperature-profile tokamak plasmas first demonstrated in LTX [D.P. Boyle et al. PRL July 2017]. The incorporation of neutral beam core-fueling and heating in LTX- β is expected to increase plasma beta and drive increased MHD activity. An upgrade of the magnetic diagnostics is underway, including an expansion of the reentrant 3-axis poloidal Mirnov array, as well as the addition of a toroidal array of poloidal Mirnov sensors and a set of 2-axis Mirnov sensors measuring fields from shell eddy currents. The poloidal and toroidal arrays will facilitate the study of MHD mode activity and other non-axisymmetric perturbations, while the new shell eddy sensors and improvements to existing axisymmetric measurements will support enhanced equilibrium reconstructions using the PSI-Tri equilibrium code [C. Hansen et al. PoP Apr. 2017] to better characterize these novel hot-edge discharges. This work is supported by US DOE contracts DE-AC02-09CH11466 and DE-AC05-00OR22725.

Global kinetic simulations of neoclassical toroidal viscosity in low-collisional perturbed tokamak plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsuoka, Seikichi; Idomura, Yasuhiro; Satake, Shinsuke

2017-10-01

The neoclassical toroidal viscosity (NTV) caused by a non-axisymmetric magnetic field perturbation is numerically studied using two global kinetic simulations with different numerical approaches. Both simulations reproduce similar collisionality ( νb*) dependencies over wide νb * ranges. It is demonstrated that resonant structures in the velocity space predicted by the conventional superbanana-plateau theory exist in the small banana width limit, while the resonances diminish when the banana width becomes large. It is also found that fine scale structures are generated in the velocity space as νb* decreases in the large banana width simulations, leading to the νb* -dependency of the NTV. From the analyses of the particle orbit, it is found that the finite k∥ mode structure along the bounce motion appears owing to the finite orbit width, and it suffers from bounce phase mixing, suggesting the generation of the fine scale structures by the similar mechanism as the parallel phase mixing of passing particles.

Sustainment Study of Flipped Spherical Torus Plasmas on HIST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takamiya, T.; Nagata, M.; Kawami, K.; Hasegawa, H.; Fukumoto, N.; Uyama, T.; Masamune, S.; Iida, M.; Katsurai, M.

2003-10-01

We have discovered that helicity-driven ST plasmas relax toward the flipped state by decreasing the external toroidal field and reversing its sign in time [1]. From the viewpoint of coaxial helicity injection (CHI) current drive, it is conceivable that the flipped ST (F-ST), which consists of only closed flux surfaces, compares favorably with the normal ST. We have investigated the sustainment mechanism of the F-ST plasma. The helicity-driven relaxed theory shows that there exist the mixed states of ST and F-ST in the flux conserver. Helicity is transferred to F-ST through the ST with coupling with gun electrodes. It has been found that magnetic reconnection between the toroidal magnetic field plays important role in the sustainment of the F-ST. The magnetic field in the outer edge region shows regular oscillations which have a large amplitude of the n=1 mode. The core region of the F-ST seems to be relatively stable. [1] M. Nagata, et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 90, 225001 (2003)

Formation and Sustainment of Flipped Spherical Torus Plasmas on HIST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oguro, T.; Jinno, T.; Hasegawa, H.; Nagata, M.; Fukumoto, N.; Uyama, T.; Masamune, S.; Iida, M.; Katsurai, M.

2002-11-01

In order to understand comprehensively the relaxation and self-organization in the coaxial helicity injection system, we have investigated dynamics of ST plasmas produced in the HIST device by decreasing the external toroidal field (TF) and reversing its sign in time. In results, we have discovered that the ST relaxes towards flipped/reversed ST configurations. Surprisingly, it has been observed that not only toroidal flux but also poloidal flux reverses sign spontaneously during the relaxation process. This self-reversal of the poloidal field is thought to be evidence for global helicity conservation. Taylor helicity-driven relaxed theory predicts that there exists the relaxed state of the flipped ST plasma when the TF current is reversed. We found that when q_axis passes through the q_axis =1 rational barrier in the initial phase, the ST plasma becomes unstable and relaxes to flipped states through RFP states. The n=1 mode activities are essential in the formation and sustainment of the flipped ST.

Gaseous detonation initiation via wave implosion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jackson, Scott Irving

Efficient detonation initiation is a topic of intense interest to designers of pulse detonation engines. This experimental work is the first to detonate propane-air mixtures with an imploding detonation wave and to detonate a gas mixture with a non-reflected, imploding shock. In order to do this, a unique device has been developed that is capable of generating an imploding toroidal detonation wave inside of a tube from a single ignition point without any obstruction to the tube flow path. As part of this study, an initiator that creates a large-aspect-ratio planar detonation wave in gas-phase explosive from a single ignition point has also been developed. The effectiveness of our initiation devices has been evaluated. The minimum energy required by the imploding shock for initiation was determined to scale linearly with the induction zone length, indicating the presence of a planar initiation mode. The imploding toroidal detonation initiator was found to be more effective at detonation initiation than the imploding shock initiator, using a comparable energy input to that of current initiator tubes.

Properties of Alfven Eigenmodes in the TAE range on the National Spherical Torus Experiment-Upgrade

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

2013-04-24

A second Neutral Beam (NB) injection line is being installed on the NSTX Upgrade device, resulting in six NB sources with di erent tangency radii that will be available for heating and current drive. This work explores the properties of instabilities in the frequency range of the Toroidal Alfv en Eigenmode (TAE) for NSTX-U scenarios with various NB injection geometries, from more perpendicular to more tangential, and with increased toroidal magnetic eld with respect to previous NSTX scenarios. Predictions are based on analysis through the ideal MHD code NOVA-K. For the scenarios considered in this work, modi cations of themore » Alfv en continuum result in a frequency upshift and a broadening of the radial mode structure. The latter e ect may have consequences for fast ion transport and loss. Preliminary stability considerations indicate that TAEs are potentially unstable, with ion Landau damping representing the dominant damping mechanism« less

Whistler Mode Based Explanation for the Fast Reconnection Rate Measured in the MIT Versatile Toroidal Facility

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Singh, Nagendra

2011-12-09

Despite the widely discussed role of whistler waves in mediating magnetic reconnection (MR), the direct connection between such waves and the MR has not been demonstrated by comparing the characteristic temporal and spatial features of the waves and the MR process. Using the whistler wave dispersion relation, we theoretically predict the experimentally measured rise time ({tau}{sub rise}) of a few microseconds for the fast rising MR rate in the Versatile Toroidal Facility at MIT. The rise time is closely given by the inverse of the frequency bandwidth of the whistler waves generated in the evolving current sheet. The wave frequenciesmore » lie much above the ion cyclotron frequency, but they are limited to less than 0.1% of the electron cyclotron frequency in the argon plasma. The maximum normalized MR rate R=0.35 measured experimentally is precisely predicted by the angular dispersion of the whistler waves.« less

Thermal transport in boron nitride nanotorus—towards a nanoscopic thermal shield

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loh, G. C.; Baillargeat, D.

2013-11-01

Nanotori, or nanorings, are topological variants of nanotubes and are conceived to have different properties from their tubular form. In this study, the toroidal arrangement of boron nitride is introduced. Using classical molecular dynamics simulations, the thermal behaviour (thermal conductivity and thermal stability) of the boron nitride nanotorus and its relationship with the structural characteristics are investigated. Its circumferential thermal rectification strength displays a linear dependence on the bending coefficient of the nanostructure. Surface kinks are relatively inconsequential on its circumferential mode of conduction, as compared to its axial sense. The circumferential conductivity in the diffusive regime is calculated to be approximately 10 W/m K, while the axial conductivity is more than tenfold of this value. All nanotori with different toroidal characters show excellent thermal stability at extremely high temperatures approaching 3400 K. With consideration to its favourable properties, a thermal shield made up of a parallel row of nanotori is proposed as a nanoscale thermal insulation device.

Electromagnetic gyrokinetic simulation in GTS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Chenhao; Wang, Weixing; Startsev, Edward; Lee, W. W.; Ethier, Stephane

2017-10-01

We report the recent development in the electromagnetic simulations for general toroidal geometry based on the particle-in-cell gyrokinetic code GTS. Because of the cancellation problem, the EM gyrokinetic simulation has numerical difficulties in the MHD limit where k⊥ρi -> 0 and/or β >me /mi . Recently several approaches has been developed to circumvent this problem: (1) p∥ formulation with analytical skin term iteratively approximated by simulation particles (Yang Chen), (2) A modified p∥ formulation with ∫ dtE∥ used in place of A∥ (Mishichenko); (3) A conservative theme where the electron density perturbation for the Poisson equation is calculated from an electron continuity equation (Bao) ; (4) double-split-weight scheme with two weights, one for Poisson equation and one for time derivative of Ampere's law, each with different splits designed to remove large terms from Vlasov equation (Startsev). These algorithms are being implemented into GTS framework for general toroidal geometry. The performance of these different algorithms will be compared for various EM modes.

Fast visible imaging of turbulent plasma in TORPEX

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Iraji, D.; Diallo, A.; Fasoli, A.

2008-10-15

Fast framing cameras constitute an important recent diagnostic development aimed at monitoring light emission from magnetically confined plasmas, and are now commonly used to study turbulence in plasmas. In the TORPEX toroidal device [A. Fasoli et al., Phys. Plasmas 13, 055902 (2006)], low frequency electrostatic fluctuations associated with drift-interchange waves are routinely measured by means of extensive sets of Langmuir probes. A Photron Ultima APX-RS fast framing camera has recently been acquired to complement Langmuir probe measurements, which allows comparing statistical and spectral properties of visible light and electrostatic fluctuations. A direct imaging system has been developed, which allows viewingmore » the light, emitted from microwave-produced plasmas tangentially and perpendicularly to the toroidal direction. The comparison of the probability density function, power spectral density, and autoconditional average of the camera data to those obtained using a multiple head electrostatic probe covering the plasma cross section shows reasonable agreement in the case of perpendicular view and in the plasma region where interchange modes dominate.« less

Effect of soft-iron impellers on the von Kármán-sodium dynamo.

PubMed

Xu, Mingtian

2014-01-01

The explanation for the observed axisymmetric magnetic field in the von Kármán-sodium (VKS) dynamo experiment is still an unresolved question. In this paper, the integral equation approach is extended to investigate the VKS dynamo action by taking into account the discontinuity of the magnetic permeability and electrical conductivity in the conducting region. When the relative magnetic permeability of the soft-iron impellers is set to 65, a steady toroidal field that is apparently axisymmetric is excited at the critical magnetic Reynolds number, Rmc≈27.23, which is close to the experimental result, Rmc≈30. Our results show that the critical magnetic Reynolds number declines as the relative magnetic permeability of the impellers increases. Furthermore, when the relative magnetic permeability is not greater than 37, an equatorial magnetic field with an azimuthal wave number m=1 is the dominant mode, otherwise a steady toroidal field with an azimuthal wave number m=0 predominates the magnetic field generated by the VKS dynamo action.

Magnetic-flutter-induced pedestal plasma transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Callen, J. D.; Hegna, C. C.; Cole, A. J.

2013-11-01

Plasma toroidal rotation can limit reconnection of externally applied resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP) fields δB on rational magnetic flux surfaces. Hence it causes the induced radial perturbations δBρ to be small there, thereby inhibiting magnetic island formation and stochasticity at the top of pedestals in high (H-mode) confinement tokamak plasmas. However, the δBρs induced by RMPs increase away from rational surfaces and are shown to induce significant sinusoidal radial motion (flutter) of magnetic field lines with a radial extent that varies linearly with δBρ and inversely with distance from the rational surface because of the magnetic shear. This produces a radial electron thermal diffusivity that is (1/2)(δBρ/B0)2 times a kinetically derived, electron-collision-induced, magnetic-shear-reduced, effective parallel electron thermal diffusivity in the absence of magnetic stochasticity. These low collisionality flutter-induced transport processes and thin magnetic island effects are shown to be highly peaked in the vicinity of rational surfaces at the top of low collisionality pedestals. However, the smaller but finite level of magnetic-flutter-induced electron heat transport midway between rational surfaces is the primary factor that determines the electron temperature difference between rational surfaces at the pedestal top. The magnetic-flutter-induced non-ambipolar electron density transport can be large enough to push the plasma toward an electron density transport root. Requiring ambipolar density transport is shown to determine the radial electric field, the plasma toroidal rotation (via radial force balance), a reduced electron thermal diffusivity and increased ambipolar density transport in the pedestal. At high collisionality the various flutter effects are less strongly peaked at rational surfaces and generally less significant. They are thus less likely to exhibit flutter-induced resonant behaviour and transition toward an electron transport root. Magnetic-flutter-induced plasma transport processes provide a new paradigm for developing an understanding of how RMPs modify the pedestal structure to stabilize peeling-ballooning modes and thereby suppress edge localized modes in low collisionality tokamak H-mode plasmas.

Manifestations of the MHD and kinetic dynamo through soft x-rays

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chartas, G.A.

1991-08-01

The underlying mechanisms that produce and sustain the reversed toroidal field in RFP's are investigated by analyzing 2Dx-ray emissivity reconstruction and by correlating the evolution of the hot electron properties to the reversed toroidal magnetic field. Reconnection of emissivity surfaces as seen in soft x-ray (SXR) reconstructing occur near the predicted resonant surface for the m=1, n=5, 6,-7 resistive tearing modes. Two distinct rates of reversed magnetic field generation are observed. First, in the MHD relaxation phase a sudden increase in B{sub t}(a) is detected. This event coincides with a large increase in the edge hot electron current density. Themore » second mode of flux generation is observed t have a slower rate and occurs during the diffusion phase. A variation of the edge hot electron current density by a factor of four produced only a small change in the measured B{sub t}(a), implying the contributions of the hot electrons to the dynamo during the diffusion phase is small. {tilde T}{sub e}, / was measured to be approximately 60%, which is much larger than the corresponding quantity for the bulk component which is about 30%. Scaling of the magnetic Reynolds number with the diffusion and MHD relaxation time, {tau}{sub MHD} indicated that the {tau}{sub MHD} does not have a strong dependence on the Spitzer resistivity whereas the diffusion time does depend on the classical resistivity. SXR emission mode analysis during the transition from a rotating to a locked plasma shows a decrease in the m=1 Fourier Bastille component of the emissivity. This is due to the flattening of the emissivity profile as seen in the SXR reconstructions.« less

Analysis of Alfvén eigenmode destabilization by energetic particles in Large Helical Device using a Landau-closure model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varela, J.; Spong, D. A.; Garcia, L.

2017-04-01

Energetic particle populations in nuclear fusion experiments can destabilize the Alfvén Eigenmodes through inverse Landau damping and couplings with gap modes in the shear Alfvén continua. We use the reduced MHD equations to describe the linear evolution of the poloidal flux and the toroidal component of the vorticity in a full 3D system, coupled with equations of density and parallel velocity moments for the energetic particles. We add the Landau damping and resonant destabilization effects using a closure relation. We apply the model to study the Alfvén mode stability in the inward-shifted configurations of the Large Helical Device (LHD), performing a parametric analysis of the energetic particle β ({βf} ) in a range of realistic values, the ratios of the energetic particle thermal/Alfvén velocities ({{V}\\text{th}}/{{V}A0} ), the magnetic Lundquist numbers (S) and the toroidal modes (n). The n  =  1 and n  =  2 TAEs are destabilized, although the n  =  3 and n  =  4 TAEs are weakly perturbed. The most unstable configurations are associated with the density gradients of energetic particles in the plasma core: the TAEs are destabilized, even for small energetic particle populations, if their thermal velocity is lower than 0.4 times the Alfvén velocity. The frequency range of MHD bursts measured in the LHD are 50-70 kHz for the n  =  1 and 60-80 kHz for the n  =  2 TAE, which is consistent with the model predictions. ).

Resonant magnetic perturbations of edge-plasmas in toroidal confinement devices

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Evans, T. E.

Controlling the boundary layer in fusion-grade, high-performance, plasma discharges is essential for the successful development of toroidal magnetic confinement power generating systems. A promising approach for controlling the boundary plasma is based on the use of small, externally applied, edge resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP) fields (δmore » $$b_⊥^{ext}$$ ≈ $$10^{-4}$$ → $$10^{-3}$$ T). A long-term focus area in tokamak fusion research has been to find methods, involving the use of non-axisymmetric magnetic perturbations to reduce the intense particle and heat fluxes to the wall. Experimental RMP research has progressed from the early pioneering work on tokamaks with material limiters in the 1970s, to present day research in separatrix-limited tokamaks operated in high-confinement mode, which is primarily aimed at the mitigation of the intermittent fluxes due edge localized modes. At the same time the theoretical research has evolved from analytical models to numerical simulations, including the full 3D complexities of the problem. Following the first demonstration of ELM suppression in the DIII-D tokamak during 2003, there has been a rapid worldwide growth in theoretical, numerical and experimental edge RMP research resulting in the addition of ELM control coils to the ITER baseline design [A. Loarte, et al., Nucl. Fusion 54 (2014) 033007]. This review provides an overview of edge RMP research including a summary of the early theoretical and numerical background along with recent experimental results on improved particle and energy confinement in tokamaks triggered by edge RMP fields. The topics covered make up the basic elements needed for developing a better understanding of 3D magnetic perturbation physics, which is required in order to utilize the full potential of edge RMP fields in fusion relevant high performance, H-mode, plasmas.« less

A new description of Earth's wobble modes using Clairaut coordinates: 1. Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rochester, M. G.; Crossley, D. J.; Zhang, Y. L.

2014-09-01

This paper presents a novel mathematical reformulation of the theory of the free wobble/nutation of an axisymmetric reference earth model in hydrostatic equilibrium, using the linear momentum description. The new features of this work consist in the use of (i) Clairaut coordinates (rather than spherical polars), (ii) standard spherical harmonics (rather than generalized spherical surface harmonics), (iii) linear operators (rather than J-square symbols) to represent the effects of rotational and ellipticity coupling between dependent variables of different harmonic degree and (iv) a set of dependent variables all of which are continuous across material boundaries. The resulting infinite system of coupled ordinary differential equations is given explicitly, for an elastic solid mantle and inner core, an inviscid outer core and no magnetic field. The formulation is done to second order in the Earth's ellipticity. To this order it is shown that for wobble modes (in which the lowest harmonic in the displacement field is degree 1 toroidal, with azimuthal order m = ±1), it is sufficient to truncate the chain of coupled displacement fields at the toroidal harmonic of degree 5 in the solid parts of the earth model. In the liquid core, however, the harmonic expansion of displacement can in principle continue to indefinitely high degree at this order of accuracy. The full equations are shown to yield correct results in three simple cases amenable to analytic solution: a general earth model in rigid rotation, the tiltover mode in a homogeneous solid earth model and the tiltover and Chandler periods for an incompressible homogeneous solid earth model. Numerical results, from programmes based on this formulation, are presented in part II of this paper.

Resonant magnetic perturbations of edge-plasmas in toroidal confinement devices

DOE PAGES

Evans, T. E.

2015-11-13

Controlling the boundary layer in fusion-grade, high-performance, plasma discharges is essential for the successful development of toroidal magnetic confinement power generating systems. A promising approach for controlling the boundary plasma is based on the use of small, externally applied, edge resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP) fields (δmore » $$b_⊥^{ext}$$ ≈ $$10^{-4}$$ → $$10^{-3}$$ T). A long-term focus area in tokamak fusion research has been to find methods, involving the use of non-axisymmetric magnetic perturbations to reduce the intense particle and heat fluxes to the wall. Experimental RMP research has progressed from the early pioneering work on tokamaks with material limiters in the 1970s, to present day research in separatrix-limited tokamaks operated in high-confinement mode, which is primarily aimed at the mitigation of the intermittent fluxes due edge localized modes. At the same time the theoretical research has evolved from analytical models to numerical simulations, including the full 3D complexities of the problem. Following the first demonstration of ELM suppression in the DIII-D tokamak during 2003, there has been a rapid worldwide growth in theoretical, numerical and experimental edge RMP research resulting in the addition of ELM control coils to the ITER baseline design [A. Loarte, et al., Nucl. Fusion 54 (2014) 033007]. This review provides an overview of edge RMP research including a summary of the early theoretical and numerical background along with recent experimental results on improved particle and energy confinement in tokamaks triggered by edge RMP fields. The topics covered make up the basic elements needed for developing a better understanding of 3D magnetic perturbation physics, which is required in order to utilize the full potential of edge RMP fields in fusion relevant high performance, H-mode, plasmas.« less

Investigation of the n  =  1 resistive wall modes in the ITER high-mode confinement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, L. J.; Kotschenreuther, M. T.; Valanju, P.

2017-06-01

The n  =  1 resistive wall mode (RWM) stability of ITER high-mode confinement is investigated with bootstrap current included for equilibrium, together with the rotation and diamagnetic drift effects for stability. Here, n is the toroidal mode number. We use the CORSICA code for computing the free boundary equilibrium and AEGIS code for stability. We find that the inclusion of bootstrap current for equilibrium is critical. It can reduce the local magnetic shear in the pedestal, so that the infernal mode branches can develop. Consequently, the n  =  1 modes become unstable without a stabilizing wall at a considerably lower beta limit, driven by the steep pressure gradient in the pedestal. Typical values of the wall position stabilize the ideal mode, but give rise to the ‘pedestal’ resistive wall modes. We find that the rotation can contribute a stabilizing effect on RWMs and the diamagnetic drift effects can further improve the stability in the co-current rotation case. But, generally speaking, the rotation stabilization effects are not as effective as the case without including the bootstrap current effects on equilibrium. We also find that the diamagnetic drift effects are actually destabilizing when there is a counter-current rotation.

The local stability of the magnetized advection-dominated discs with the radial viscous force

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghoreyshi, S. M.; Shadmehri, M.

2018-06-01

We study local stability of the advection-dominated optically thick (slim) and optically thin discs with purely toroidal magnetic field and the radial viscous force using a linear perturbation analysis. Our dispersion relation indicates that the presence of magnetic fields and radial viscous force cannot give rise to any new mode of the instability. We find, however, that growth rate of the thermal mode in the slim discs and that of the acoustic modes in the slim and optically thin discs are dramatically affected by the radial viscous force. This force tends to strongly decrease the growth rate of the outward-propagating acoustic mode (O-mode) in the short-wavelength limit, but it causes a slim disc to become thermally more unstable. This means that growth rate of the thermal mode increases in the presence of radial viscous force. This enhancement is more significant when the viscosity parameter is large. The growth rates of the thermal and acoustic modes depend on the magnetic field. Although the instability of O-mode for a stronger magnetic field case has a higher growth rate, the thermal mode of the slim discs can be suppressed when the magnetic field is strong. The inertial-acoustic instability of a magnetized disc may explain the quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) from the black holes.

Tokamak with liquid metal for inducing toroidal electrical field

DOEpatents

Ohkawa, Tihiro

1981-01-01

A tokamak apparatus includes a vessel for defining a reservoir and confining liquid therein. A toroidal liner disposed within said vessel defines a toroidal space within the liner confines gas therein. Liquid metal fills the reservoir outside the liner. A magnetic field is established in the liquid metal to develop magnetic flux linking the toroidal space. The gas is ionized. The liquid metal and the toroidal space are moved relative to one another transversely of the space to generate electric current in the ionized gas in the toroidal space about its major axis and thereby heat plasma developed in the toroidal space.

Electromagnetic toroidal excitations in matter and free space.

PubMed

Papasimakis, N; Fedotov, V A; Savinov, V; Raybould, T A; Zheludev, N I

2016-03-01

The toroidal dipole is a localized electromagnetic excitation, distinct from the magnetic and electric dipoles. While the electric dipole can be understood as a pair of opposite charges and the magnetic dipole as a current loop, the toroidal dipole corresponds to currents flowing on the surface of a torus. Toroidal dipoles provide physically significant contributions to the basic characteristics of matter including absorption, dispersion and optical activity. Toroidal excitations also exist in free space as spatially and temporally localized electromagnetic pulses propagating at the speed of light and interacting with matter. We review recent experimental observations of resonant toroidal dipole excitations in metamaterials and the discovery of anapoles, non-radiating charge-current configurations involving toroidal dipoles. While certain fundamental and practical aspects of toroidal electrodynamics remain open for the moment, we envision that exploitation of toroidal excitations can have important implications for the fields of photonics, sensing, energy and information.

Whistlers, helicons, and lower hybrid waves: The physics of radio frequency wave propagation and absorption for current drive via Landau damping

DOE PAGES

Pinsker, Robert I.

2015-09-24

This introductory-level tutorial article describes the application of plasma waves in the lower hybrid range of frequencies for current drive in tokamaks. Wave damping mechanisms in a nearly collisionless hot magnetized plasma are briefly described, and the connections between the properties of the damping mechanisms and the optimal choices of wave properties (mode, frequency, wavelength) are explored. The two wave modes available for current drive in the lower hybrid range of frequencies (LHRF) are described and compared. The terms applied to these waves in different applications of plasma physics are elucidated. Here, the character of the ray paths of thesemore » waves in the LHRF is illustrated in slab and toroidal geometries. An upcoming experiment on one of these two wave modes, the “helicon” or “whistler”, to be carried out on the DIII-D tokamak, is described.« less

Fishbone Oscillations in the Experimental Advanced Superconductivity Tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Li-Qing; Hu, Li-Qun; Yuan, Yi; Li, Ying-Ying; Zhong, Guo-Qiang; Liu, Hai-Qing; Chen, Kai-Yun; Shi, Tong-Hui; Duan, Yan-Min

2018-03-01

A fishbone oscillation was observed in the neutral beam injection plasma at Experimental Advanced Superconductivity Tokamak (EAST). This m = 1/n = 1 ( m, n: poloidal, toroidal mode numbers, respectively) typical internal kink mode travels in the ion-diamagnetism direction in the poloidal section with a rotation speed close to the ion diamagnetic drift frequency. A high thermal plasma beta and high amounts of energetic ions are necessary for the mode to develop. Fishbone oscillations can expel heavy impurities in the core, which favors sustaining a high-performance plasma. The born frequency of the fishbone oscillation is the ion diamagnetic drift frequency and the chirping down of the frequency during the initial growth phase is the result of a drop in iondiamagnetic drift frequency. The excitation energy is thought to be due to the thermal plasma pressure gradient; however, the development of a fishbone oscillation is related to energetic ions.

NIMROD: A computational laboratory for studying nonlinear fusion magnetohydrodynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sovinec, C. R.; Gianakon, T. A.; Held, E. D.; Kruger, S. E.; Schnack, D. D.

2003-05-01

Nonlinear numerical studies of macroscopic modes in a variety of magnetic fusion experiments are made possible by the flexible high-order accurate spatial representation and semi-implicit time advance in the NIMROD simulation code [A. H. Glasser et al., Plasma Phys. Controlled Fusion 41, A747 (1999)]. Simulation of a resistive magnetohydrodynamics mode in a shaped toroidal tokamak equilibrium demonstrates computation with disparate time scales, simulations of discharge 87009 in the DIII-D tokamak [J. L. Luxon et al., Plasma Physics and Controlled Nuclear Fusion Research 1986 (International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, 1987), Vol. I, p. 159] confirm an analytic scaling for the temporal evolution of an ideal mode subject to plasma-β increasing beyond marginality, and a spherical torus simulation demonstrates nonlinear free-boundary capabilities. A comparison of numerical results on magnetic relaxation finds the n=1 mode and flux amplification in spheromaks to be very closely related to the m=1 dynamo modes and magnetic reversal in reversed-field pinch configurations. Advances in local and nonlocal closure relations developed for modeling kinetic effects in fluid simulation are also described.

Interpretation of frequency sweeping of n=0 mode in JET

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berk, H. L.

2006-04-01

Persistent rapid up and down frequency chirping modes with a toroidal mode number of zero (n=0) are observed in the JET tokamak when energetic ions, in the range of several hundred keV, are created by high field side ion cyclotron resonance frequency heating. Fokker-Planck calculations demonstrate that the heating method enables the formation of an energetically inverted ion distribution which supplies the free energy for the ions to excite a global geodesic acoustic mode (GGAM). The large frequency shifts of this mode are attributed to the formation of phase space structures whose frequencies, which are locked to an ion orbit resonance frequency, are forced to continually shift so that energetic particle energy can be released to counterbalance the energy dissipation present in the background plasma. In collaboration with C.J. Boswell, MIT; D. Borba, A.C.A. Figueiredo, Center for Nuclear Fusion Association; T. Johnson, Alfven Laboratory, KTH; M.F.F. Nave, Center for Nuclear Fusion Association; S.D. Pinches, Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics; S.E. Sharapov, UKEA Culham Science Centre; and T. Zhou, University of Texas at Austin.

NIMROD modeling of quiescent H-mode: Reconstruction considerations and saturation mechanism

DOE PAGES

King, Jacob R.; Burrell, Keith H.; Garofalo, Andrea M.; ...

2016-09-30

The extended-MHD NIMROD code (Sovinec and King 2010 J. Comput. Phys. 229 5803) models broadband-MHD activity from a reconstruction of a quiescent H-mode shot on the DIII-D tokamak (Luxon 2002 Nucl. Fusion 42 614). Computations with the reconstructed toroidal and poloidal ion flows exhibit low-n Φ perturbations (n Φ ≃1–5) that grow and saturate into a turbulent-like MHD state. The workflow used to project the reconstructed state onto the NIMROD basis functions re-solves the Grad–Shafranov equation and extrapolates profiles to include scrape-off-layer currents. In conclusion, evaluation of the transport from the turbulent-like MHD state leads to a relaxation of themore » density and temperature profiles.« less

Comparison of a low- to high-confinement transition theory with experimental data from DIII-D.

PubMed

Guzdar, P N; Kleva, R G; Groebner, R J; Gohil, P

2002-12-23

From our recent theory based on the generation of shear flow and field in finite beta plasmas, the criterion for bifurcation from low to high confinement mode yields a critical parameter proportional to T(e)/square root (L(n)), where T(e) is the electron temperature and L(n) is the density scale length. The predicted threshold shows very good agreement with edge measurements on discharges undergoing low-to-high transitions in DIII-D. The observed differences in the transitions with the reversal of the toroidal magnetic field are reconciled in terms of this critical parameter. The theory also provides an explanation for pellet injection H modes in DIII-D, thereby unifying unconnected methods for accomplishing the transition.

PT-1 Plasmoid Thruster Capable of Multi-Mode Operation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, Robert; Rose, Frank; Eskridge, Richard; Martin, Adam; Alam, Mohammed

2008-01-01

This slide presentation reviews the concept of a Plasmoid Thruster that is capable of operating in several different modes. A plasmoid is a compact plasma structure with an integral magnetic field, that may be categorized according to the relative strength of the poloidal and toroidal magnetic fields. A plasmoid thruster would operate by repetitively producing plasmoids that are accelerated to high velocity. The process is inductive, and the magnetic structure of the plasmoid suppresses thermal and mass losses, and improves detachment of the exhaust. The Drive and Bias circuits, the gas distribution, the pre-ionization stage, and the operation sequence are detailed. The advantages of the Plasmoid thruster and the research and technology required for development of this form of propulsion is reviewed.

The interaction between fishbone modes and shear Alfvén waves in tokamak plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Hongda; Liu, Yueqiang; Dong, J. Q.; Hao, G. Z.; Wu, Tingting; He, Zhixiong; Zhao, K.

2016-05-01

The resonant interaction between the energetic particle triggered fishbone mode and the shear Alfvén waves is computationally investigated and firmly demonstrated based on a tokamak plasma equilibrium, using the self-consistent MHD-kinetic hybrid code MARS-K (Liu et al 2008 Phys. Plasmas 15 112503). This type of continuum resonance, occurring critically due to the mode’s toroidal rotation in the plasma frame, significantly modifies the eigenmode structure of the fishbone instability, by introducing two large peaks of the perturbed parallel current density near but offside the q  =  1 rational surface (q is the safety factor). The self-consistently computed radial plasma displacement substantially differs from that being assumed in the conventional fishbone theory.

NIMROD modeling of quiescent H-mode: Reconstruction considerations and saturation mechanism

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

King, Jacob R.; Burrell, Keith H.; Garofalo, Andrea M.

The extended-MHD NIMROD code (Sovinec and King 2010 J. Comput. Phys. 229 5803) models broadband-MHD activity from a reconstruction of a quiescent H-mode shot on the DIII-D tokamak (Luxon 2002 Nucl. Fusion 42 614). Computations with the reconstructed toroidal and poloidal ion flows exhibit low-n Φ perturbations (n Φ ≃1–5) that grow and saturate into a turbulent-like MHD state. The workflow used to project the reconstructed state onto the NIMROD basis functions re-solves the Grad–Shafranov equation and extrapolates profiles to include scrape-off-layer currents. In conclusion, evaluation of the transport from the turbulent-like MHD state leads to a relaxation of themore » density and temperature profiles.« less

Resistive wall instabilities and tearing mode dynamics in the EXTRAP T2R thin shell reversed-field pinch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malmberg, J.-A.; Brunsell, P. R.

2002-01-01

Observations of resistive wall instabilities and tearing mode dynamics in the EXTRAP T2R thin shell (τw=6 ms) reversed field pinch are described. A nonresonant mode (m=1,n=-10) with the same handedness as the internal field grows nearly exponentially with an average growth time of about 2.6 ms (less than 1/2 of the shell time) consistent with linear stability theory. The externally nonresonant unstable modes (m=1,n>0), predicted by linear stability theory, are observed to have only low amplitudes (in the normal low-Θ operation mode of the device). The radial field of the dominant internally resonant tearing modes (m=1,n=-15 to n=-12) remain low due to spontaneous fast mode rotation, corresponding to angular phase velocities up to 280 krad/s. Phase aligned mode structures are observed to rotate toroidally with an average angular velocity of 40 krad/s, in the opposite direction of the plasma current. Toward the end of the discharge, the radial field of the internally resonant modes grows as the modes slow down and become wall-locked, in agreement with nonlinear computations. Fast rotation of the internally resonant modes has been observed only recently and is attributed to a change of the front-end system (vacuum vessel, shell, and TF coil) of the device.

Effects of eddy initial conditions on nonlinear forcing of planetary scale waves by amplifying baroclinic eddies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Young, Richard E.

1986-01-01

The previous study of Young and Villere concerning growth of planetary scale waves forced by wave-wave interactions of amplifying intermediate scale baroclinic eddies is extended to investigate effects of different eddy initial conditions. A global, spectral, primitive equation model is used for the calculations. For every set of eddy initial conditions considered, growth rates of planetary modes are considerably greater than growth rates computed from linear instability theory for a fixed zonally independent basic state. However, values of growth rates ranged over a factor of 3 depending on the particular set of eddy initial conditions used. Nonlinear forcing of planetary modes via wave-wave coupling becomes more important than baroclinic growth on the basic state at small values of the intermediate-scale modal amplitudes. The relative importance of direct transfer of kinetic energy from intermediate scales of motion to a planetary mode, compared to baroclinic conversion of available potential energy to kinetic energy within that planetary mode, depends on the individual case. In all cases, however, the transfer of either kinetic or available potential energy to the planetary modes was accomplished principally by wave-wave transfer from intermediate scale eddies, rather than from the zonally averaged state. The zonal wavenumber 2 planetary mode was prominent in all solutions, even in those for which eddy initial conditions were such that a different planetary mode was selectively forced at the start. General characteristics of the structural evolution of the planetary wave components of total heat and momentum flux, and modal structures themselves, were relatively insensitive to variations in eddy initial conditions, even though quantitative details varied from case to case.

Mass production of shaped particles through vortex ring freezing

PubMed Central

An, Duo; Warning, Alex; Yancey, Kenneth G.; Chang, Chun-Ti; Kern, Vanessa R.; Datta, Ashim K.; Steen, Paul H.; Luo, Dan; Ma, Minglin

2016-01-01

A vortex ring is a torus-shaped fluidic vortex. During its formation, the fluid experiences a rich variety of intriguing geometrical intermediates from spherical to toroidal. Here we show that these constantly changing intermediates can be ‘frozen' at controlled time points into particles with various unusual and unprecedented shapes. These novel vortex ring-derived particles, are mass-produced by employing a simple and inexpensive electrospraying technique, with their sizes well controlled from hundreds of microns to millimetres. Guided further by theoretical analyses and a laminar multiphase fluid flow simulation, we show that this freezing approach is applicable to a broad range of materials from organic polysaccharides to inorganic nanoparticles. We demonstrate the unique advantages of these vortex ring-derived particles in several applications including cell encapsulation, three-dimensional cell culture, and cell-free protein production. Moreover, compartmentalization and ordered-structures composed of these novel particles are all achieved, creating opportunities to engineer more sophisticated hierarchical materials. PMID:27488831

Rotational stability of a long field-reversed configuration

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Barnes, D. C., E-mail: coronadocon@msn.com; Steinhauer, L. C.

2014-02-15

Rotationally driven modes of long systems with dominantly axial magnetic field are considered. We apply the incompressible model and order axial wavenumber small. A recently developed gyro-viscous model is incorporated. A one-dimensional equilibrium is assumed, but radial profiles are arbitrary. The dominant toroidal (azimuthal) mode numbers ℓ=1 and ℓ=2 modes are examined for a variety of non-reversed (B) and reversed profiles. Previous results for both systems with rigid rotor equilibria are reproduced. New results are obtained by incorporation of finite axial wavenumber and by relaxing the assumption of rigid electron and ion rotation. It is shown that the frequently troublesomemore » ℓ=2 field reversed configuration (FRC) mode is not strongly affected by ion kinetic effects (in contrast to non-reversed cases) and is likely stabilized experimentally only by finite length effects. It is also shown that the ℓ=1 wobble mode has a complicated behavior and is affected by a variety of configuration and profile effects. The rotationally driven ℓ=1 wobble is completely stabilized by strong rotational shear, which is anticipated to be active in high performance FRC experiments. Thus, observed wobble modes in these systems are likely not driven by rotation alone.« less

MHD modeling of a DIII-D low-torque QH-mode discharge and comparison to observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

King, J. R.; Kruger, S. E.; Burrell, K. H.; Chen, X.; Garofalo, A. M.; Groebner, R. J.; Olofsson, K. E. J.; Pankin, A. Y.; Snyder, P. B.

2017-05-01

Extended-MHD modeling of DIII-D tokamak [J. L. Luxon, Nucl. Fusion 42, 614 (2002)] quiescent H-mode (QH-mode) discharges with nonlinear NIMROD [C. R. Sovinec et al., J. Comput. Phys. 195, 355 (2004)] simulations saturates into a turbulent state but does not saturate when the steady-state flow inferred from measurements is not included. This is consistent with the experimental observations of the quiescent regime on DIII-D. The simulation with flow develops into a saturated turbulent state where the nϕ=1 and 2 toroidal modes become dominant through an inverse cascade. Each mode in the range of nϕ=1 -5 is dominant at a different time. Consistent with experimental observations during QH-mode, the simulated state leads to large particle transport relative to the thermal transport. Analysis shows that the amplitude and phase of the density and temperature perturbations differ resulting in greater fluctuation-induced convective particle transport relative to the convective thermal transport. Comparison to magnetic-coil measurements shows that rotation frequencies differ between the simulation and experiment, which indicates that more sophisticated extended-MHD two-fluid modeling is required.

Toroidal current asymmetry in tokamak disruptions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strauss, H. R.

2014-10-01

It was discovered on JET that disruptions were accompanied by toroidal asymmetry of the toroidal plasma current I ϕ. It was found that the toroidal current asymmetry was proportional to the vertical current moment asymmetry with positive sign for an upward vertical displacement event (VDE) and negative sign for a downward VDE. It was observed that greater displacement leads to greater measured I ϕ asymmetry. Here, it is shown that this is essentially a kinematic effect produced by a VDE interacting with three dimensional MHD perturbations. The relation of toroidal current asymmetry and vertical current moment is calculated analytically and is verified by numerical simulations. It is shown analytically that the toroidal variation of the toroidal plasma current is accompanied by an equal and opposite variation of the toroidal current flowing in a thin wall surrounding the plasma. These currents are connected by 3D halo current, which is π/2 radians out of phase with the n = 1 toroidal current variations.

Computation of resistive instabilities by matched asymptotic expansions

DOE PAGES

Glasser, A. H.; Wang, Z. R.; Park, J. -K.

2016-11-17

Here, we present a method for determining the linear resistive magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) stability of an axisymmetric toroidal plasma, based on the method of matched asymptotic expansions. The plasma is partitioned into a set of ideal MHD outer regions, connected through resistive MHD inner regions about singular layers where q = m/n, with m and n toroidal mode numbers, respectively, and q the safety factor. The outer regions satisfy the ideal MHD equations with zero-frequency, which are identical to the Euler-Lagrange equations for minimizing the potential energy delta W. The solutions to these equations go to infinity at the singular surfaces.more » The inner regions satisfy the equations of motion of resistive MHD with a finite eigenvalue, resolving the singularity. Both outer and inner regions are solved numerically by newly developed singular Galerkin methods, using specialized basis functions. These solutions are matched asymptotically, providing a complex dispersion relation which is solved for global eigenvalues and eigenfunctions in full toroidal geometry. The dispersion relation may have multiple complex unstable roots, which are found by advanced root-finding methods. These methods are much faster and more robust than the previous numerical methods. The new methods are applicable to more challenging high-pressure and strongly shaped plasma equilibria and generalizable to more realistic inner region dynamics. In the thermonuclear regime, where the outer and inner regions overlap, they are also much faster and more accurate than the straight-through methods, which treat the resistive MHD equations in the whole plasma volume.« less

Mixed poloidal-toroidal magnetic configuration and surface abundance distributions of the Bp star 36 Lyn

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oksala, M. E.; Silvester, J.; Kochukhov, O.; Neiner, C.; Wade, G. A.; the MiMeS Collaboration

2018-01-01

Previous studies of the chemically peculiar Bp star 36 Lyn revealed a moderately strong magnetic field, circumstellar material and inhomogeneous surface abundance distributions of certain elements. We present in this paper an analysis of 33 high signal-to-noise ratio, high-resolution Stokes IV observations of 36 Lyn obtained with the Narval spectropolarimeter at the Bernard Lyot Telescope at Pic du Midi Observatory. From these data, we compute new measurements of the mean longitudinal magnetic field, Bℓ, using the multiline least-squares deconvolution (LSD) technique. A rotationally phased Bℓ curve reveals a strong magnetic field, with indications for deviation from a pure dipole field. We derive magnetic maps and chemical abundance distributions from the LSD profiles, produced using the Zeeman-Doppler imaging code INVERSLSD. Using a spherical harmonic expansion to characterize the magnetic field, we find that the harmonic energy is concentrated predominantly in the dipole mode (ℓ = 1), with significant contribution from both the poloidal and toroidal components. This toroidal field component is predicted theoretically, but not typically observed for Ap/Bp stars. Chemical abundance maps reveal a helium enhancement in a distinct region where the radial magnetic field is strong. Silicon enhancements are located in two regions, also where the radial field is stronger. Titanium and iron enhancements are slightly offset from the helium enhancements, and are located in areas where the radial field is weak, close to the magnetic equator.

Toroidal modeling of the n = 1 intrinsic error field correction experiments in EAST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Xu; Liu, Yueqiang; Sun, Youwen; Wang, Huihui; Gu, Shuai; Jia, Manni; Li, Li; Liu, Yue; Wang, Zhirui; Zhou, Lina

2018-05-01

The m/n = 2/1 resonant vacuum error field (EF) in the EAST tokamak experiments, inferred from the compass coil current amplitude and phase scan for mode locking, was found to depend on the parity between the upper and lower rows of the EF correction (EFC) coils (Wang et al 2016 Nucl. Fusion 56 066011). Here m and n are the poloidal and toroidal harmonic numbers in a torus, respectively. This experimental observation implies that the compass scan results cannot be simply interpreted as reflecting the true intrinsic EF. This work aims at understanding this puzzle, based on toroidal modeling of the EFC plasma discharge in EAST using the MARS-F code (Liu et al 2000 Phys. Plasmas 7 3681). By varying the amplitude and phase of the assumed n = 1 intrinsic vacuum EF with different poloidal spectra, and by computing the plasma response to the assumed EF, the compass scan predicted 2/1 EF, based on minimizing the computed resonant electromagnetic torque, can be made to match well with that of the EFC experiments using both even and odd parity coils. Moreover, the compass scan predicted vacuum EFs are found to be significantly differing from the true intrinsic EF used as input to the MARS-F code. While the puzzling result remains to be fully resolved, the results from this study offer an improved understanding of the EFC experiments and the compass scan technique for determining the intrinsic resonant EF.

Flux-transport Dynamos Driven by a Tachocline α -effect; a Solution to Magnetic Parity Selection in the Sun

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dikpati, M.; Gilman, P. A.

2001-05-01

We propose here an α Ω flux-transport dynamo driven by a tachocline α -effect, produced by the global hydrodynamic instability of tachocline differential rotation as calculated using a shallow-water model (Dikpati & Gilman, 2001, ApJ, Mar.20 issue). Growing, unstable shallow-water modes propagating longitudinally in the tachocline create alternate vortices which correlate with upward/downward radial motion of top boundary, associated with convergence/divergence of the disturbance flow to produce a longitude-averaged net kinetic helicity, and hence an α -effect. We show that a flux-transport dynamo driven by a tachocline α -effect is equally successful as a Babcock-Leighton flux-transport dynamo (Dikpati & Charbonneau 1999, ApJ, 518, 508) in reproducing many large-scale solar cycle features, including the most difficult feature of phase relationship between the subsurface toroidal field and surface radial field. In view of the success of flux-transport dynamos, whether the α -effect is at the surface or in the tachocline, we argue that the solar dynamo should be considered to involve three basic processes, rather than two (α -effect and Ω -effect only). The third important process is the advective transport of flux by meridional circulation. In reality, both α -effects (Babcock-Leighton type and tachocline α -effect) are likely to exist, but it is hard to estimate their relative magnitudes. We show, by extending the simulation in a full spherical shell model that a flux-transport dynamo driven by a tachocline α -effect selects toroidal field that is antisymmetric about the equator, while a Babcock-Leighton flux-transport dynamo selects symmetric toroidal field. Since our present Sun selects antisymmetric toroidal fields, we argue that the flux-transport solar dynamo is primarily driven by a tachocline α -effect. Acknowledgements: This work is supported by NASA grants W-19752 and S-10145-X. National Center for Atmospheric Research is sponsored by National Science Foundation.

Use of reconstructed 3D VMEC equilibria to match effects of toroidally rotating discharges in DIII-D

DOE PAGES

Wingen, Andreas; Wilcox, Robert S.; Cianciosa, Mark R.; ...

2016-10-13

Here, a technique for tokamak equilibrium reconstructions is used for multiple DIII-D discharges, including L-mode and H-mode cases when weakly 3D fieldsmore » $$\\left(\\delta B/B\\sim {{10}^{-3}}\\right)$$ are applied. The technique couples diagnostics to the non-linear, ideal MHD equilibrium solver VMEC, using the V3FIT code, to find the most likely 3D equilibrium based on a suite of measurements. It is demonstrated that V3FIT can be used to find non-linear 3D equilibria that are consistent with experimental measurements of the plasma response to very weak 3D perturbations, as well as with 2D profile measurements. Observations at DIII-D show that plasma rotation larger than 20 krad s –1 changes the relative phase between the applied 3D fields and the measured plasma response. Discharges with low averaged rotation (10 krad s –1) and peaked rotation profiles (40 krad s –1) are reconstructed. Similarities and differences to forward modeled VMEC equilibria, which do not include rotational effects, are shown. Toroidal phase shifts of up to $${{30}^{\\circ}}$$ are found between the measured and forward modeled plasma responses at the highest values of rotation. The plasma response phases of reconstructed equilibra on the other hand match the measured ones. This is the first time V3FIT has been used to reconstruct weakly 3D tokamak equilibria.« less

Optothermal transport behavior in whispering gallery mode optical cavities

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Soltani, Soheil; Armani, Andrea M., E-mail: armani@usc.edu; Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089

Over the past century, whispering gallery mode optical cavities have enabled numerous advances in science and engineering, such as discoveries in quantum mechanics and non-linear optics, as well as the development of optical gyroscopes and add drop filters. One reason for their widespread appeal is their ability to confine light for long periods of time, resulting in high circulating intensities. However, when sufficiently large amounts of optical power are coupled into these cavities, they begin to experience optothermal or photothermal behavior, in which the optical energy is converted into heat. Above the optothermal threshold, the resonance behavior is no longermore » solely defined by electromagnetics. Previous work has primarily focused on the role of the optothermal coefficient of the material in this instability. However, the physics of this optothermal behavior is significantly more complex. In the present work, we develop a predictive theory based on a generalizable analytical expression in combination with a geometry-specific COMSOL Multiphysics finite element method model. The simulation couples the optical and thermal physics components, accounting for geometry variations as well as the temporal and spatial profile of the optical field. To experimentally verify our theoretical model, the optothermal thresholds of a series of silica toroidal resonant cavities are characterized at different wavelengths (visible through near-infrared) and using different device geometries. The silica toroid offers a particularly rigorous case study for the developed optothermal model because of its complex geometrical structure which provides multiple thermal transport paths.« less

Toroid cavity/coil NMR multi-detector

DOEpatents

Gerald, II, Rex E.; Meadows, Alexander D.; Gregar, Joseph S.; Rathke, Jerome W.

2007-09-18

An analytical device for rapid, non-invasive nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of multiple samples using a single spectrometer is provided. A modified toroid cavity/coil detector (TCD), and methods for conducting the simultaneous acquisition of NMR data for multiple samples including a protocol for testing NMR multi-detectors are provided. One embodiment includes a plurality of LC resonant circuits including spatially separated toroid coil inductors, each toroid coil inductor enveloping its corresponding sample volume, and tuned to resonate at a predefined frequency using a variable capacitor. The toroid coil is formed into a loop, where both ends of the toroid coil are brought into coincidence. Another embodiment includes multiple micro Helmholtz coils arranged on a circular perimeter concentric with a central conductor of the toroid cavity.

Investigation of beam- and wave-plasma interactions in spherical tokamak Globus-M

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gusev, V. K.; Aminov, R. M.; Berezutskiy, A. A.; Bulanin, V. V.; Chernyshev, F. V.; Chugunov, I. N.; Dech, A. V.; Dyachenko, V. V.; Ivanov, A. E.; Khitrov, S. A.; Khromov, N. A.; Kurskiev, G. S.; Larionov, M. M.; Melnik, A. D.; Minaev, V. B.; Mineev, A. B.; Mironov, M. I.; Miroshnikov, I. V.; Mukhin, E. E.; Novokhatsky, A. N.; Panasenkov, A. A.; Patrov, M. I.; Petrov, A. V.; Petrov, Yu. V.; Podushnikova, K. A.; Rozhansky, V. A.; Rozhdestvensky, V. V.; Sakharov, N. V.; Shevelev, A. E.; Senichenkov, I. Yu.; Shcherbinin, O. N.; Stepanov, A. Yu.; Tolstyakov, S. Yu.; Varfolomeev, V. I.; Voronin, A. V.; Yagnov, V. A.; Yashin, A. Yu.; Zhilin, E. G.

2011-10-01

The experimental and theoretical results obtained in the last two years on the interaction of neutral particle beams and high-frequency waves with a plasma using the spherical tokamak Globus-M are discussed. The experiments on the injection of low-energy proton beam of ~300 eV directed particle energy are performed with a plasma gun that produces a hydrogen plasma jet of density up to 3 × 1022 m-3 and a high velocity up to 250 km s-1. A moderate density rise (up to 30%) is achieved in the central plasma region without plasma disruption. Experiments on high-energy (up to 30 keV) neutral beam injection into the D-plasma are analysed. Modelling results on confinement of fast particles inside the plasma column that follows the neutral beam injection are discussed. The influence of the magnetic field on the fast particle losses is argued. A neutral beam injection regime with primary ion heating is obtained and discussed. The new regime with fast current ramp-up and early neutral beam injection shows electron temperature rise and formation of broad Te profiles until the q = 1 flux surface enters the plasma column. An energetic particle mode in the range of frequencies 5-30 kHz and toroidal Alfvén eigenmodes in the range 50-300 kHz are recorded in that regime simultaneously with the Te rise. The energetic particle mode and toroidal Alfvén eigenmodes behaviour are discussed. The toroidal Alfvén eigenmode spectrum appears in Globus-M as a narrow band corresponding to n = 1. The first experimental results on plasma start-up and noninductive current drive generation are presented. The experiments are carried out with antennae providing mostly poloidal slowing down of waves with a frequency of 920 MHz, which is higher than a lower hybrid one existing under the experimental conditions. The high current drive efficiency is shown to be high (of about 0.25 A W-1), and its mechanism is proposed. Some near future plans of the experiments are also discussed.

Radial localization of magnetospheric guided poloidal Pc 4-5 waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Denton, R. E.; Lessard, M. R.; Kistler, L. M.

2003-03-01

The toroidal Alfvén wave, with magnetic field oscillations in the azimuthal direction, exhibits a singularity in the vicinity of the toroidal resonant frequency (field line resonance), so it is not surprising that this wave often exhibits varying frequency as a function of L shell. It is less clear why the poloidal Alfvén wave, with magnetic field oscillations in the radial direction, often exhibits a relatively constant frequency over a range of L shells. So far, the most promising proposal to explain this phenomenon is the theory of [1994, 1996], who showed that an energetically trapped global poloidal mode can exist in a region where the poloidal Alfvén frequency is lower than the toroidal frequency and where it exhibits a dip (minimum) with respect to L. While this theory is mathematically plausible, it has never been shown that poloidal Alfvén waves actually occur in association with such a dip in poloidal frequency. Here we examine poloidal wave events observed by the AMPTE/IRM spacecraft and calculate the theoretical poloidal frequency as a function of L using the equilibrium parameters obtained from the spacecraft observations. We find that the poloidal Alfvén wave does occur in association with such a dip (or at least a flattening) in poloidal frequency. While Vetoulis and Chen hypothesized that such a dip would occur because of a sharp gradient in plasma pressure, we find that the dip in poloidal frequency may result from the L dependence of the equilibrium density or magnetic field. The observed frequencies are in rough agreement with the theoretical frequencies, though in some cases we must assume that the observed oscillations result from a high harmonic (third or fourth harmonic structure along the magnetic field). We also apply the same analysis to compressional wave events (with oscillations in the direction of the equilibrium magnetic field). Such oscillations may be on the poloidal wave branch or the mirror mode branch. Here also, the observed fluctuations occur in the region of a dip in poloidal frequency. In one case the observed frequency is consistent with the theoretical poloidal frequency, whereas in another case it is not.

A non-linear 4-wave resonant model for non-perturbative fast ion interactions with Alfv'enic modes in burning plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zonca, Fulvio; Chen, Liu

2007-11-01

We adopt the 4-wave modulation interaction model, introduced by Chen et al [1] for analyzing modulational instabilities of the radial envelope of Ion Temperature Gradient driven modes in toroidal geometry, extending it to the modulations on the fast particle distribution function due to nonlinear Alfv'enic mode dynamics, as proposed in Ref. [2]. In the case where the wave-particle interactions are non-perturbative and strongly influence the mode evolution, as in the case of Energetic Particle Modes (EPM) [3], radial distortions (redistributions) of the fast ion source dominate the mode nonlinear dynamics. In this work, we show that the resonant particle motion is secular with a time-scale inversely proportional to the mode amplitude [4] and that the time evolution of the EPM radial envelope can be cast into the form of a nonlinear Schr"odinger equation a la Ginzburg-Landau [5]. [1] L. Chen et al, Phys. Plasmas 7 3129 (2000) [2] F. Zonca et al, Theory of Fusion Plasmas (Bologna: SIF) 17 (2000) [3] L. Chen, Phys. Plasmas 1, 1519 (1994).[4] F. Zonca et al, Nucl. Fusion 45 477 (2005) [5] F. Zonca et al, Plasma Phys. Contr. Fusion 48 B15 (2006)

Identification of multi-modal plasma responses to applied magnetic perturbations using the plasma reluctance

DOE PAGES

Logan, Nikolas C.; Paz-Soldan, Carlos; Park, Jong-Kyu; ...

2016-05-03

Using the plasma reluctance, the Ideal Perturbed Equilibrium Code is able to efficiently identify the structure of multi-modal magnetic plasma response measurements and the corresponding impact on plasma performance in the DIII-D tokamak. Recent experiments demonstrated that multiple kink modes of comparable amplitudes can be driven by applied nonaxisymmetric fields with toroidal mode number n = 2. This multi-modal response is in good agreement with ideal magnetohydrodynamic models, but detailed decompositions presented here show that the mode structures are not fully described by either the least stable modes or the resonant plasma response. This paper identifies the measured response fieldsmore » as the first eigenmodes of the plasma reluctance, enabling clear diagnosis of the plasma modes and their impact on performance from external sensors. The reluctance shows, for example, how very stable modes compose a significant portion of the multi-modal plasma response field and that these stable modes drive significant resonant current. Finally, this work is an overview of the first experimental applications using the reluctance to interpret the measured response and relate it to multifaceted physics, aimed towards providing the foundation of understanding needed to optimize nonaxisymmetric fields for independent control of stability and transport.« less

Failure Characteristics of Granite Influenced by Sample Height-to-Width Ratios and Intermediate Principal Stress Under True-Triaxial Unloading Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xibing; Feng, Fan; Li, Diyuan; Du, Kun; Ranjith, P. G.; Rostami, Jamal

2018-05-01

The failure modes and peak unloading strength of a typical hard rock, Miluo granite, with particular attention to the sample height-to-width ratio (between 2 and 0.5), and the intermediate principal stress was investigated using a true-triaxial test system. The experimental results indicate that both sample height-to-width ratios and intermediate principal stress have an impact on the failure modes, peak strength and severity of rockburst in hard rock under true-triaxial unloading conditions. For longer rectangular specimens, the transition of failure mode from shear to slabbing requires higher intermediate principal stress. With the decrease in sample height-to-width ratios, slabbing failure is more likely to occur under the condition of lower intermediate principal stress. For same intermediate principal stress, the peak unloading strength monotonically increases with the decrease in sample height-to-width. However, the peak unloading strength as functions of intermediate principal stress for different types of rock samples (with sample height-to-width ratio of 2, 1 and 0.5) all present the pattern of initial increase, followed by a subsequent decrease. The curves fitted to octahedral shear stress as a function of mean effective stress also validate the applicability of the Mogi-Coulomb failure criterion for all considered rock sizes under true-triaxial unloading conditions, and the corresponding cohesion C and internal friction angle φ are calculated. The severity of strainburst of granite depends on the sample height-to-width ratios and intermediate principal stress. Therefore, different supporting strategies are recommended in deep tunneling projects and mining activities. Moreover, the comparison of test results of different σ 2/ σ 3 also reveals the little influence of minimum principal stress on failure characteristics of granite during the true-triaxial unloading process.

Spiral Convection Columns: Improved Estimate Of Apparent Rotation Period(=1333.6 yr) Of Earth's Solid Inner Core

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McDonald, Keith L.

1999-11-01

In 1974, an est. was made of turbulence driven rot. period of Earth's inner core(r=R_ic), neglecting forced precession, nutation and assuming core fluid's turbulent differential rot., (T_1c^o)_α, alone drives inner core and has achieved steady state so that viscous boundary condition, Υ_φ(R_ic,θ)=ɛ Υ = Υ_ic - Υ = Υ_φ(R_ic), is closely achieved.^1 Υ is mantle's const. sidereal angular velocity, Υ_ic is inner core's, and Υ_φ(r,θ) is fluid's appar., about Z-axis. In 1st est.^1 we assumed velocity and magnetic modes T_α,P_α and T_β,P_β are stationary random functions of time and deleted classes of modes in simplifying toroidal component eq. of transformed amplification eq.,^2 evaluated for mode (T_2c^o)_β to compute radial function (T_1c^o)_α thru a single integration with respect to r. In making integration we assumed toroidal and poloidal B-field intensities have same radial dependency thru core fluid, R_ic <= r <= 0.9R_c, whereas toroidal mag. field declines monotonely as rarrow 0, where it vanishes. To correct discrepancy, divide T_2c^o(r)_β by f(r) and multiply dr by f(r) and integrate over R_ic,..., R_c; define f(r)=150 gauss × (r/0.9R_c), 0 <= r <= 0.9Rc and f(r)=1500(1-r/R_c) gauss for 0.9Rc <= r <= R_c. Repeating computations^1 gives, for νm = 0.2 × 10^5 esu, rot. period of τ _φ(R_ic)=1768.77 yr, instead of former 812 yr.^1 However, we adopted later Elsasser's 1956 est. electrical conductivity of core fluid, σ = 3 × 10-6 emu, which yields τ_φ=1333.6 yr, as close lower limit since σ continues to increase with depth below mantle's base, R_c. Adopting 0.03 cm sec-1 for upwelling motions we see that spiral motions result that do not influence lifetimes of polar heat sources at Rc but shorten to near 10^3 yr near equator. B_T-,B_P-field replaces turbulance theory to compute τ _φ. ^1 Keith L McDonald, Bul. Am. Phys. Soc., 19(10), 1148, 1974. ^2 K L McDonald, On The Planetary Dynamo Theory, ESSA Tech. Report ERL 64-ESL 3 (Govt. Printing Office, 1968), Eq. 21.

Experimental studies of high-confinement mode plasma response to non-axisymmetric magnetic perturbations in ASDEX Upgrade

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suttrop, W.; Kirk, A.; Nazikian, R.; Leuthold, N.; Strumberger, E.; Willensdorfer, M.; Cavedon, M.; Dunne, M.; Fischer, R.; Fietz, S.; Fuchs, J. C.; Liu, Y. Q.; McDermott, R. M.; Orain, F.; Ryan, D. A.; Viezzer, E.; The ASDEX Upgrade Team; The DIII-D Team; The Eurofusion MST1 Team

2017-01-01

The interaction of externally applied small non-axisymmetric magnetic perturbations (MP) with tokamak high-confinement mode (H-mode) plasmas is reviewed and illustrated by recent experiments in ASDEX Upgrade. The plasma response to the vacuum MP field is amplified by stable ideal kink modes with low toroidal mode number n driven by the H-mode edge pressure gradient (and associated bootstrap current) which is experimentally evidenced by an observable shift of the poloidal mode number m away from field alignment (m  =  qn, with q being the safety factor) at the response maximum. A torque scan experiment demonstrates the importance of the perpendicular electron flow for shielding of the resonant magnetic perturbation, as expected from a two-fluid MHD picture. Two significant effects of MP occur in H-mode plasmas at low pedestal collisionality, ν \\text{ped}\\ast≤slant 0.4 : (a) a reduction of the global plasma density by up to 61 % and (b) a reduction of the energy loss associated with edge localised modes (ELMs) by a factor of up to 9. A comprehensive database of ELM mitigation pulses at low {ν\\ast} in ASDEX Upgrade shows that the degree of ELM mitigation correlates with the reduction of pedestal pressure which in turn is limited and defined by the onset of ELMs, i. e. a modification of the ELM stability limit by the magnetic perturbation.

Gaseous toroid around Saturn. [Saturnian ring system for atomic hydrogen trapping in Titan atmospheric model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcdonough, T. R.

1974-01-01

The trapping of Titan's escaping atmosphere in the Saturnian system by a toroidal ring is discussed. The radius of the toroid is comparable to Titan's orbit, or about ten times larger than the visible rings. Theoretical atmospheric models are formulated that consider Saturn's gravitational attraction and magnetospheric properties in forming this toroid and in protecting toroid particles from direct ionization by solar wind particles.

Capillary toroid cavity detector for high pressure NMR

DOEpatents

Gerald, II, Rex E.; Chen, Michael J.; Klingler, Robert J.; Rathke, Jerome W.; ter Horst, Marc

2007-09-11

A Toroid Cavity Detector (TCD) is provided for implementing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies of chemical reactions under conditions of high pressures and temperatures. A toroid cavity contains an elongated central conductor extending within the toroid cavity. The toroid cavity and central conductor generate an RF magnetic field for NMR analysis. A flow-through capillary sample container is located within the toroid cavity adjacent to the central conductor to subject a sample material flowing through the capillary to a static magnetic field and to enable NMR spectra to be recorded of the material in the capillary under a temperature and high pressure environment.

Multi-Field/-Scale Interaction of Neoclassical Tearing Modes with Turbulence and Impact on Plasma Confinement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bardoczi, Laszlo

Neoclassical Tearing Modes (NTMs) are a major impediment in the development of operational scenarios of present toroidal fusion devices. The multi-scale and non-linear interaction of NTMs with turbulence has been an active field of theoretical plasma research in the past decade for its role in plasma confinement. However, little to no experimental effort has been devoted to explore this interaction. As part of this thesis, dedicated experiments were conducted utilizing the full complement of the DIII-D turbulence diagnostics to study the effect of NTM on turbulence as well as the effect of turbulence on NTM growth. The first localized measurements of long and intermediate wavelength turbulent density fluctuations and long wavelength turbulent electron temperature fluctuations modified by magnetic islands are presented. These long and intermediate wavelengths correspond to the expected Ion Temperature Gradient (ITG) and Trapped Electron Mode (TEM) scales, respectively. Two regimes were observed when tracking density fluctuations during NTM evolution: (1) small islands are characterized by steep electron temperature radial profile and turbulence levels comparable to that of the background; (2) large islands have a flat electron temperature profile and reduced turbulence level at the O-point. Radially outside of the large island, the electron temperature profile is steeper and the turbulence level increased compared to the no or small island case. It was also found that turbulence is reduced in the O-point region compared to the X-point region. This helical structure of turbulence modification leads to a 15% modulation of the density fluctuation power as the island rotates in the lab frame and this modulation is nearly in phase with the electron temperature modulation. These measurements were also used to determine the turbulence penetration length scale at the island separatrix and was found that the turbulence penetration length scale is on the order of the threshold island width for temperature flattening and turbulence reduction to occur at the O-point. This suggests that the physics of island transition could be related to turbulence penetration into the island. In addition, a novel, anisotropic, non-linear heat transport model of magnetic islands with spatially non-uniform cross-field thermal diffusivity was developed. This model was utilized to derive the diffusivity at the O-point from measured electron temperature data and it was found that the diffusivity at the O-point is 1 to 2 orders of magnitude smaller than the background plasma transport. As the anomalously large values of the diffusivity are often attributed to turbulence driven transport, the reduction of the diffusivity is consistent with the found turbulence reduction at the O-point. Complementing the experimental results of turbulence-NTM interaction described in this thesis, qualitative comparisons were carried out for the first time to GENE non-linear gyrokinetic turbulence simulations employing static magnetic islands. These simulations qualitatively replicate the measured 2D response of turbulence as well as the observed scaling with island size. The consequences of the observed NTM-turbulence interaction on the global plasma confinement were studied via analyses of simultaneous changes in NTM amplitude, plasma profiles, turbulence, fluxes and confinement. It was found that the global confinement degradation is intimately linked to the turbulence enhancement outside of the island region (induced by the island). Experimentally observed local turbulence and transport reduction at the O-point, as well as the effect of global confinement decrease was incorporated in the dynamical equation of NTMs, which shows that the NTM growth rate increases when turbulence and gradients are reduced inside the island (right after the transition from small to large island regime). Additionally, the shrinking of NTM islands due to strong temperature perturbations associated with Edge Localized Modes was observed. Simultaneous increase in turbulence level at the O-point was also observed and the data suggests that this temporal increase of turbulence level at the O-point accelerates NTM recovery after the ELM-crash. This is facilitated via the fast turbulent cross-field transport that leads to a rapid restoration of the flat profile (and bootstrap current perturbation) at the O-point. Finally, a series of low torque H-mode experiments were carried out to measure the perturbed ion temperature and toroidal flow profiles via CER across slowly rotating islands. Comparison of the observed flow perturbation to the gyrokinetic simulations suggests that large islands develop a vortex like plasma flow circulating around the O-point.

A singular finite element technique for calculating continuum damping of Alfvén eigenmodes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bowden, G. W.; Hole, M. J.

2015-02-15

Damping due to continuum resonances can be calculated using dissipation-less ideal magnetohydrodynamics provided that the poles due to these resonances are properly treated. We describe a singular finite element technique for calculating the continuum damping of Alfvén waves. A Frobenius expansion is used to determine appropriate finite element basis functions on an inner region surrounding a pole due to the continuum resonance. The location of the pole due to the continuum resonance and mode frequency is calculated iteratively using a Galerkin method. This method is used to find the complex frequency and mode structure of a toroidicity-induced Alfvén eigenmode inmore » a large aspect ratio circular tokamak and is shown to agree closely with a complex contour technique.« less

Numerical study of the existence criterion for the reversed shear Alfven eigenmode in the presence of a parallel equilibrium current

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shahzad, M.; Rizvi, H.; Panwar, A.; Ryu, C. M.

2017-06-01

We have re-visited the existence criterion of the reverse shear Alfven eigenmodes (RSAEs) in the presence of the parallel equilibrium current by numerically solving the eigenvalue equation using a fast eigenvalue solver code KAES. The parallel equilibrium current can bring in the kink effect and is known to be strongly unfavorable for the RSAE. We have numerically estimated the critical value of the toroidicity factor Qtor in a circular tokamak plasma, above which RSAEs can exist, and compared it to the analytical one. The difference between the numerical and analytical critical values is small for low frequency RSAEs, but it increases as the frequency of the mode increases, becoming greater for higher poloidal harmonic modes.

High resolution main-ion charge exchange spectroscopy in the DIII-D H-mode pedestal.

PubMed

Grierson, B A; Burrell, K H; Chrystal, C; Groebner, R J; Haskey, S R; Kaplan, D H

2016-11-01

A new high spatial resolution main-ion (deuterium) charge-exchange spectroscopy system covering the tokamak boundary region has been installed on the DIII-D tokamak. Sixteen new edge main-ion charge-exchange recombination sightlines have been combined with nineteen impurity sightlines in a tangentially viewing geometry on the DIII-D midplane with an interleaving design that achieves 8 mm inter-channel radial resolution for detailed profiles of main-ion temperature, velocity, charge-exchange emission, and neutral beam emission. At the plasma boundary, we find a strong enhancement of the main-ion toroidal velocity that exceeds the impurity velocity by a factor of two. The unique combination of experimentally measured main-ion and impurity profiles provides a powerful quasi-neutrality constraint for reconstruction of tokamak H-mode pedestals.

A constant radius of curvature model for the organization of DNA in toroidal condensates.

PubMed Central

Hud, N V; Downing, K H; Balhorn, R

1995-01-01

Toroidal DNA condensates have received considerable attention for their possible relationship to the packaging of DNA in viruses and in general as a model of ordered DNA condensation. A spool-like model has primarily been supported for DNA organization within toroids. However, our observations suggest that the actual organization may be considerably different. We present an alternate model in which DNA for a given toroid is organized within a series of equally sized contiguous loops that precess about the toroid axis. A related model for the toroid formation process is also presented. This kinetic model predicts a distribution of toroid sizes for DNA condensed from solution that is in good agreement with experimental data. Images Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Fig. 5 PMID:7724602

Toroidal Tank Development for Upper-stages

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DeLay, Tom; Roberts, Keith

2003-01-01

The advantages, development, and fabrication of toroidal propellant tanks are profiled in this viewgraph presentation. Several images are included of independent research and development (IR&D) of toroidal propellant tanks at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). Other images in the presentation give a brief overview of Thiokol conformal tank technology development. The presentation describes Thiokol's approach to continuous composite toroidal tank fabrication in detail. Images are shown of continuous and segmented toroidal tanks fabricated by Thiokol.

Active MHD Spectroscopy of Alfvén Eigenmodes on Alcator C-Mod

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sears, J.; Snipes, J.; Burke, W.; Parker, R.; Fasoli, A.

2004-11-01

Alfvén eigenmode resonances are excited in a variety of plasma conditions in C-Mod with two moderate-n antennas positioned above and below the outboard midplane. Power amplifiers (≈ 3 kW) sweep the driving frequency over the audio range (< 30 kHz) or over a selected ± 50 kHz range from 100 kHz to 1 MHz. Logic circuitry that calculates the center frequency of the Toroidal Alfven Eigenmode gap, f_TAE=v_A/4π qR, in real-time from BT and e measurements is being developed to enable the antennas to track f_TAE. Simultaneous in-vessel phase calibration of the pick-up coils will be used to better identify toroidal mode numbers. Shot-to-shot elongation scans do not show the dependence of damping on edge shear that was seen in results at JET. Inner wall limited plasmas with moderate outer gaps show higher damping rates than diverted plasmas with low outer gaps. Low frequency experiments below 20kHz will also be presented.

Equilibrium, confinement and stability of runaway electrons in tokamaks

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Spong, D A

1976-03-01

Some of the ramifications of the runaway population in tokamak experiments are investigated. Consideration is given both to the normal operating regime of tokamaks where only a small fraction of high energy runaways are present and to the strong runaway regime where runaways are thought to carry a significant portion of the toroidal current. In particular, the areas to be examined are the modeling of strong runaway discharges, single particle orbit characteristics of runaways, macroscopic beam-plasma equilibria, and stability against kink modes. A simple one-dimensional, time-dependent model has been constructed in relation to strong runaway discharges. Single particle orbits aremore » analyzed in relation to both the strong runaway regime and the weak regime. The effects of vector E x vector B drifts are first considered in strong runaway discharges and are found to lead to a slow inward shrinkage of the beam. Macroscopic beam-plasma equilibria are treated assuming a pressureless relativistic beam with inertia and using an ideal MHD approximation for the plasma. The stability of a toroidal relativistic beam against kink perturbations is examined using several models. (MOW)« less

Modelling of Field-Reversed Configuration Experiment with Large Safety Factor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Steinhauer, L; Guo, H; Hoffman, A

2005-11-28

The Translation-Confinement-Sustainment facility has been operated in the 'translation-formation' mode in which a plasma is ejected at high-speed from a {theta}-pinch-like source into a confinement chamber where it settles into a field-reversed-configuration state. Measurements of the poloidal and toroidal field have been the basis of modeling to infer the safety factor. It is found that the edge safety factor exceeds two, and that there is strong forward magnetic shear. The high-q arises because the large elongation compensates for the modest ratio of toroidal-to-poloidal field in the plasma. This is the first known instance of a very high-{beta} plasma with amore » safety factor greater than unity. Two-fluid modeling of the measurements also indicate several other significant features: a broad 'transition layer' at the plasma boundary with probable line-tying effects, complex high-speed flows, and the appearance of a two-fluid minimum-energy state in the plasma core. All these features may contribute to both the stability and good confinement of the plasma.« less

Tearing Mode Stability of Evolving Toroidal Equilibria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pletzer, A.; McCune, D.; Manickam, J.; Jardin, S. C.

2000-10-01

There are a number of toroidal equilibrium (such as JSOLVER, ESC, EFIT, and VMEC) and transport codes (such as TRANSP, BALDUR, and TSC) in our community that utilize differing equilibrium representations. There are also many heating and current drive (LSC and TORRAY), and stability (PEST1-3, GATO, NOVA, MARS, DCON, M3D) codes that require this equilibrium information. In an effort to provide seamless compatibility between the codes that produce and need these equilibria, we have developed two Fortran 90 modules, MEQ and XPLASMA, that serve as common interfaces between these two classes of codes. XPLASMA provides a common equilibrium representation for the heating and current drive applications while MEQ provides common equilibrium and associated metric information needed by MHD stability codes. We illustrate the utility of this approach by presenting results of PEST-3 tearing stability calculations of an NSTX discharge performed on profiles provided by the TRANSP code. Using the MEQ module, the TRANSP equilibrium data are stored in a Fortran 90 derived type and passed to PEST3 as a subroutine argument. All calculations are performed on the fly, as the profiles evolve.

Initial Results of the SSPX Transient Internal Probe System for Measuring Toroidal Field Profiles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holcomb, C. T.; Jarboe, T. R.; Mattick, A. T.; Hill, D. N.; McLean, H. S.; Wood, R. D.; Cellamare, V.

2000-10-01

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA. The Sustained Spheromak Physics Experiment (SSPX) is using a field profile diagnostic called the Transient Internal Probe (TIP). TIP consists of a verdet-glass bullet that is used to measure the magnetic field by Faraday rotation. This probe is shot through the spheromak by a light gas gun at speeds near 2 km/s. An argon laser is aligned along the path of the probe. The light passes through the probe and is retro-reflected to an ellipsometer that measures the change in polarization angle. The measurement is spatially resolved down to the probes’ 1 cm length to within 15 Gauss. Initial testing results are given. This and future data will be used to determine the field profile for equilibrium reconstruction. TIP can also be used in conjunction with wall probes to map out toroidal mode amplitudes and phases internally. This work was performed under the auspices of US DOE by the University of California Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract No. W-7405-ENG-48.

Equilibrium fitting analysis and propagation of magnetic fluctuations in the Multi-pulsing HIST plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsumoto, K.; Hanano, T.; Ito, K.; Ishihara, M.; Higashi, T.; Kikuchi, Y.; Fukumoto, N.; Nagata, M.

2011-10-01

The current drive by Multi-pulsing Coaxial Helicity Injection (M-CHI) has been performed on HIST in a wide range of configurations from high-q ST to low-q ST and spheromak generated by the utilization of the toroidal field. It is a key issue to investigate the dynamo mechanism required to maintain each configuration. To identify the detail mechanisms regarding a helicity transport from the edge to the core region, we have investigated the characteristics of magnetic field fluctuations observed in M- CHI experiments. We have fitted internal magnetic field data to a ST configuration calculated by the equilibrium code with a hollow pressure profile in order to find the sustained configurations. Fluctuation frequency is identified as about 80 kHz and it has been found to propagate from the open flux column region toward the core region. The toroidal mode n=0 is dominant in the high TF coil current operation. Alfven wave generation has been identified by evaluating its velocity as a function of plasma density or magnetic field strength. We will discuss the relationship between the Alfven wave and helicity propagation.

Error field optimization in DIII-D using extremum seeking control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lanctot, M. J.; Olofsson, K. E. J.; Capella, M.; Humphreys, D. A.; Eidietis, N.; Hanson, J. M.; Paz-Soldan, C.; Strait, E. J.; Walker, M. L.

2016-07-01

DIII-D experiments have demonstrated a new real-time approach to tokamak error field control based on maximizing the toroidal angular momentum. This approach uses extremum seeking control theory to optimize the error field in real time without inducing instabilities. Slowly-rotating n  =  1 fields (the dither), generated by external coils, are used to perturb the angular momentum, monitored in real-time using a charge-exchange spectroscopy diagnostic. Simple signal processing of the rotation measurements extracts information about the rotation gradient with respect to the control coil currents. This information is used to converge the control coil currents to a point that maximizes the toroidal angular momentum. The technique is well-suited for multi-coil, multi-harmonic error field optimizations in disruption sensitive devices as it does not require triggering locked tearing modes or plasma current disruptions. Control simulations highlight the importance of the initial search direction on the rate of the convergence, and identify future algorithm upgrades that may allow more rapid convergence that projects to convergence times in ITER on the order of tens of seconds.

Exploitation of high resolution beam spectroscopy diagnostics on MAST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michael, Clive; Debock, Maarten; Conway, Neil; Akers, Rob; Appel, Lynton; Field, Anthony; Walsh, Mike; Wisse, Marco

2009-11-01

Recent developments in beam spectroscopy on MAST, including CXRS, MSE and a pilot FIDA system have revealed new information about phenomena such as ITBs, MHD instabilities, transport and fast particle physics. For example, ITBs in the ion temperature and toroidal rotation have been observed with the 64ch CXRS system, while reverse-shear q profiles have been observed with the recently commissioned 35ch MSE system. Thus, the synergy of these diagnostics helps us to understand, among other things, the role of magnetic and rotational shear on ITBs. MSE measurements have also helped to understand MHD phenomena such as locked modes (characterized by changes in toroidal momentum, revealed by CXRS), sawteeth, and internal reconnection events. Finally, the temporal/spatial resolution and SNR of the MSE system have been exploited. Interesting results include the detection of low frequency (˜2kHz) magnetic field fluctuations, characterization of the radial structure of higher frequency (<100kHz) broadband and coherent density (BES) fluctuations, and the identification of short scale length features (˜1.8cm) in the current profile near the edge pedestal.

Initial results from the NSTX Real-Time Velocity diagnostic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Podesta, M.; Bell, R. E.

2011-10-01

A new diagnostic for fast measurements of plasma rotation through active charge-exchange recombination spectroscopy (CHERS) was installed on NSTX. The diagnostic infers toroidal rotation from carbon ions undergoing charge-exchange with neutrals from a heating Neutral Beam (NB). Each of the 4 channels, distributed along the outer major radius, includes active views intercepting the NB and background views missing the beam. Estimated uncertainties in the measured velocity are <5% at the maximum sampling rate of 5000 Hz (or <1% at 1000 Hz), to be compared with <0.5% and 100 Hz of the main NSTX CHERS system. Signals are acquired on 2 CCD detectors, each controlled by a dedicated PC. Spectra are fitted in real-time through a C++ processing code and velocities are made available to the Plasma Control System for future implementation of feedback on velocity. Results from the initial operation during the 2011 run are discussed, emphasizing the fast dynamics of toroidal rotation, e . g . during L-H mode transition and breaking caused by instabilities and by externally-imposed magnetic perturbations. Work supported by USDOE Contract No. DE-AC02-09CH11466.

Overview of RWM Stabilization and Other Experiments With New Internal Coils in the DIII-D Tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jackson, G. L.; Evans, T. E.; La Haye, R. J.; Kellman, A. G.; Schaffer, M. J.; Scoville, J. T.; Strait, E. J.; Szymanski, D. D.; Bialek, J.; Garofalo, A. M.; Navratil, G. A.; Reimerdes, H.; Edgell, D. H.; Okabayashi, M.; Hatcher, R.

2003-10-01

A set of 12 single-turn internal coils (I-coils) has been installed and operated in the DIII-D tokamak. The primary purpose of these coils (A_coil = 1.1 m^2, I ≤,7 kA, d_wall = 1.47 cm) is to improve stabilization of the n=1 resistive wall mode (RWM), compared to the existing external C-coil set, especially for high βN advanced tokamak discharges in low toroidal rotation plasmas. The versatility of the I-coil set and its associated power systems allow for a variety of experiments: fast feedback stabilization of RWMs, dc error field correction, edge stochastic fields, n=1,2, or 3 toroidal magnetic braking, and MHD spectroscopy (0-60 Hz). The resonant field amplification from an applied n=1 field was found to be completely suppressed, demonstrating successfully the controllability with the new system. With the I-coils, the high βN regime (above the no wall limit) has been explored both with RWM feedback and with dynamic error field correction. Experiments on edge ergodization will also be discussed.

Nuclear resonance tomography with a toroid cavity detector

DOEpatents

Woelk, K.; Rathke, J.W.; Klingler, R.J.

1996-11-12

A toroid cavity detection system is described for determining the spectral properties and distance from a fixed point for a sample using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. The detection system consists of a toroid with a central conductor oriented along the main axis of the toroidal cylinder and perpendicular to a static uniform magnetic field oriented along the main axis of the toroid. An rf signal is input to the central conductor to produce a magnetic field perpendicular to the central axis of the toroid and whose field strength varies as the inverse of the radius of the toroid. The toroid cavity detection system can be used to encapsulate a sample, or the detection system can be perforated to allow a sample to flow into the detection device or to place the samples in specified sample tubes. The central conductor can also be coated to determine the spectral property of the coating and the coating thickness. The sample is then subjected to the respective magnetic fields and the responses measured to determine the desired properties. 4 figs.

Nuclear resonance tomography with a toroid cavity detector

DOEpatents

Woelk, Klaus; Rathke, Jerome W.; Klingler, Robert J.

1996-01-01

A toroid cavity detection system for determining the spectral properties and distance from a fixed point for a sample using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. The detection system consists of a toroid with a central conductor oriented along the main axis of the toroidal cylinder and perpendicular to a static uniform magnetic field oriented along the main axis of the toroid. An rf signal is inputted to the central conductor to produce a magnetic field perpendicular to the central axis of the toroid and whose field strength varies as the inverse of the radius of the toroid. The toroid cavity detection system can be used to encapsulate a sample, or the detection system can be perforated to allow a sample to flow into the detection device or to place the samples in specified sample tubes. The central conductor can also be coated to determine the spectral property of the coating and the coating thickness. The sample is then subjected to the respective magnetic fields and the responses measured to determine the desired properties.

EMC3-EIRENE modelling of toroidally-localized divertor gas injection experiments on Alcator C-Mod

DOE PAGES

Lore, Jeremy D.; Reinke, M. L.; LaBombard, Brian; ...

2014-09-30

Experiments on Alcator C-Mod with toroidally and poloidally localized divertor nitrogen injection have been modeled using the three-dimensional edge transport code EMC3-EIRENE to elucidate the mechanisms driving measured toroidal asymmetries. In these experiments five toroidally distributed gas injectors in the private flux region were sequentially activated in separate discharges resulting in clear evidence of toroidal asymmetries in radiated power and nitrogen line emission as well as a ~50% toroidal modulation in electron pressure at the divertor target. The pressure modulation is qualitatively reproduced by the modelling, with the simulation yielding a toroidal asymmetry in the heat flow to the outermore » strike point. Finally, toroidal variation in impurity line emission is qualitatively matched in the scrape-off layer above the strike point, however kinetic corrections and cross-field drifts are likely required to quantitatively reproduce impurity behavior in the private flux region and electron temperatures and densities directly in front of the target.« less

Effects of Resonant Helical Field on Toroidal Field Ripple in IR-T1 Tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahdavipour, B.; Salar Elahi, A.; Ghoranneviss, M.

2018-02-01

The toroidal magnetic field which is created by toroidal coils has the ripple in torus space. This magnetic field ripple has an importance in plasma equilibrium and stability studies in tokamak. In this paper, we present the investigation of the interaction between the toroidal magnetic field ripple and resonant helical field (RHF). We have estimated the amplitude of toroidal field ripples without and with RHF (with different q = m/n) ( m = 2, m = 3, m = 4, m = 5, m = 2 & 3, n = 1) using “Comsol Multiphysics” software. The simulations show that RHF has effects on the toroidal ripples.

Study of toroidal flow generation by ion cyclotron range of frequency minority heating in the Alcator C-Mod plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murakami, S.; Itoh, K.; Zheng, L. J.; Van Dam, J. W.; Bonoli, P.; Rice, J. E.; Fiore, C. L.; Gao, C.; Fukuyama, A.

2016-01-01

The averaged toroidal flow of energetic minority ions during ICRF (ion cyclotron range of frequencies) heating is investigated in the Alcator C-Mod plasma by applying the GNET code, which can solve the drift kinetic equation with complicated orbits of accelerated energetic particles. It is found that a co-directional toroidal flow of the minority ions is generated in the region outside of the resonance location, and that the toroidal velocity reaches more than 40% of the central ion thermal velocity (Vtor ˜ 300 km/s with PICRF ˜ 2 MW). When we shift the resonance location to the outside of |r /a |˜0.5 , the toroidal flow immediately inside of the resonance location is reduced to 0 or changes to the opposite direction, and the toroidal velocity shear is enhanced at r/a ˜ 0.5. A radial diffusion equation for toroidal flow is solved by assuming a torque profile for the minority ion mean flow, and good agreements with experimental radial toroidal flow profiles are obtained. This suggests that the ICRF driven minority ion flow is related to the experimentally observed toroidal rotation during ICRF heating in the Alcator C-Mod plasma.

Gyrokinetic Simulations of JET Carbon and ITER-Like Wall Pedestals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hatch, David; Kotschenreuther, Mike; Mahajan, Swadesh; Liu, Xing; Blackmon, Austin; Giroud, Carine; Hillesheim, Jon; Maggi, Costanza; Saarelma, Samuli; JET Contributors Team

2017-10-01

Gyrokinetic simulations using the GENE code are presented, which target a fundamental understanding of JET pedestal transport and, in particular, its modification after installation of an ITER like wall (ILW). A representative pre-ILW (carbon wall) discharge is analyzed as a base case. In this discharge, magnetic diagnostics observe washboard modes, which preferentially affect the temperature pedestal and have frequencies (accounting for Doppler shift) consistent with microtearing modes and inconsistent with kinetic ballooning modes. A similar ILW discharge is examined, which recovers a similar value of H98, albeit at reduced pedestal temperature. This discharge is distinguished by a much higher value of eta, which produces strong ITG and ETG driven instabilities in gyrokinetic simulations. Experimental observations provide several targets for comparisons with simulation data, including the toroidal mode number and frequency of magnetic fluctuations, heat fluxes, and inter-ELM profile evolution. Strategies for optimizing pedestal performance will also be discussed. This work was supported by U.S. DOE Contract No. DE-FG02-04ER54742 and by EUROfusion under Grant No. 633053.

Measurements and modelling of fast-ion redistribution due to resonant MHD instabilities in MAST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, O. M.; Cecconello, M.; McClements, K. G.; Klimek, I.; Akers, R. J.; Boeglin, W. U.; Keeling, D. L.; Meakins, A. J.; Perez, R. V.; Sharapov, S. E.; Turnyanskiy, M.; the MAST Team

2015-12-01

The results of a comprehensive investigation into the effects of toroidicity-induced Alfvén eigenmodes (TAE) and energetic particle modes on the NBI-generated fast-ion population in MAST plasmas are reported. Fast-ion redistribution due to frequency-chirping TAE in the range 50 kHz-100 kHz and frequency-chirping energetic particle modes known as fishbones in the range 20 kHz-50 kHz, is observed. TAE and fishbones are also observed to cause losses of fast ions from the plasma. The spatial and temporal evolution of the fast-ion distribution is determined using a fission chamber, a radially-scanning collimated neutron flux monitor, a fast-ion deuterium alpha spectrometer and a charged fusion product detector. Modelling using the global transport analysis code Transp, with ad hoc anomalous diffusion and fishbone loss models introduced, reproduces the coarsest features of the affected fast-ion distribution in the presence of energetic particle-driven modes. The spectrally and spatially resolved measurements show, however, that these models do not fully capture the effects of chirping modes on the fast-ion distribution.

Self-regulation of turbulence in low rotation DIII-D QH-mode with an oscillating transport barrier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barada, Kshitish; Rhodes, T. L.; Burrell, K. H.; Zeng, L.; Chen, Xi

2016-10-01

We present observations of turbulence and flow shear limit cycle oscillations (LCOs) in wide pedestal QH-mode DIII-D tokamak plasmas that are consistent with turbulence self-regulation. In this low input torque regime, both edge harmonic oscillations (EHOs) and ELMs are absent. LCOs of ExB velocity shear and ñ present predator-prey like behavior in these fully developed QH-mode plasmas. During these limit cycle oscillations, the ExB poloidal flows possess a long-range toroidal correlation consistent with turbulence generated zonal flow activity. Further, these limit cycle oscillations are observed in a broad range of edge parameters including ne, Te, floor Langmuir probe ion saturation current, and radial electric field Er. TRANSP calculations of transport indicate little change between the EHO and LCO wide pedestal phases. These observations are consistent with LCO driven transport that may play a role in maintaining the profiles below ELM threshold in the EHO-free steady state wide pedestal QH-mode regime. Work supported by the US DOE under DE-FG02-08ER54984 and DE-FC02-04ER54698.

Three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic equilibrium of quiescent H-modes in tokamak systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cooper, W. A.; Graves, J. P.; Duval, B. P.; Sauter, O.; Faustin, J. M.; Kleiner, A.; Lanthaler, S.; Patten, H.; Raghunathan, M.; Tran, T.-M.; Chapman, I. T.; Ham, C. J.

2016-06-01

Three dimensional free boundary magnetohydrodynamic equilibria that recover saturated ideal kink/peeling structures are obtained numerically. Simulations that model the JET tokamak at fixed < β > =1.7% with a large edge bootstrap current that flattens the q-profile near the plasma boundary demonstrate that a radial parallel current density ribbon with a dominant m /n  =  5/1 Fourier component at {{I}\\text{t}}=2.2 MA develops into a broadband spectrum when the toroidal current I t is increased to 2.5 MA.

Harmonic generation and parametric decay in the ion cyclotron frequency range

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Skiff, F.N.; Wong, K.L.; Ono, M.

1984-06-01

Harmonic generation and parametric decay are examined in a toroidal ACT-I plasma using electrostatic plate antennas. The harmonic generation, which is consistent with sheath rectification, is sufficiently strong that the nonlinearly generated harmonic modes themselves decay parametrically. Resonant and nonresonant parametric decay of the second harmonic are observed and compared with uniform pump theory. Resonant decay of lower hybrid waves into lower hybrid waves and slow ion cyclotron waves is seen for the first time. Surprisingly, the decay processes are nonlinearly saturated, indicating absolute instability.

Multimachine data–based prediction of high-frequency sensor signal noise for resistive wall mode control in ITER

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Yueqiang; Sabbagh, S. A.; Chapman, I. T.

The high-frequency noise measured by magnetic sensors, at levels above the typical frequency of resistive wall modes, is analyzed across a range of present tokamak devices including DIII-D, JET, MAST, ASDEX Upgrade, JT-60U, and NSTX. A high-pass filter enables identification of the noise component with Gaussian-like statistics that shares certain common characteristics in all devices considered. A conservative prediction is made for ITER plasma operation of the high-frequency noise component of the sensor signals, to be used for resistive wall mode feedback stabilization, based on the multimachine database. The predicted root-mean-square n = 1 (n is the toroidal mode number)more » noise level is 10 4 to 10 5 G/s for the voltage signal, and 0.1 to 1 G for the perturbed magnetic field signal. The lower cutoff frequency of the Gaussian pickup noise scales linearly with the sampling frequency, with a scaling coefficient of about 0.1. As a result, these basic noise characteristics should be useful for the modeling-based design of the feedback control system for the resistive wall mode in ITER.« less

Multimachine data–based prediction of high-frequency sensor signal noise for resistive wall mode control in ITER

DOE PAGES

Liu, Yueqiang; Sabbagh, S. A.; Chapman, I. T.; ...

2017-03-27

The high-frequency noise measured by magnetic sensors, at levels above the typical frequency of resistive wall modes, is analyzed across a range of present tokamak devices including DIII-D, JET, MAST, ASDEX Upgrade, JT-60U, and NSTX. A high-pass filter enables identification of the noise component with Gaussian-like statistics that shares certain common characteristics in all devices considered. A conservative prediction is made for ITER plasma operation of the high-frequency noise component of the sensor signals, to be used for resistive wall mode feedback stabilization, based on the multimachine database. The predicted root-mean-square n = 1 (n is the toroidal mode number)more » noise level is 10 4 to 10 5 G/s for the voltage signal, and 0.1 to 1 G for the perturbed magnetic field signal. The lower cutoff frequency of the Gaussian pickup noise scales linearly with the sampling frequency, with a scaling coefficient of about 0.1. As a result, these basic noise characteristics should be useful for the modeling-based design of the feedback control system for the resistive wall mode in ITER.« less

Variable Cycle Engine Control System Definition Study. Turbine Engine Technology Demonstrator Component Development Program, Project 668A. Controls Development Program

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-03-01

6- 18 6.5 Acceleration Mode - Purumeter Accuracy Comparison 6- 18 6.6 Acceleratiin Mode - Sensor Accuracy Cormpriwon 6- 0 6.7 .OP/P Surqt Control...Spool Speeds 6-42 6. 18 Fan Pressure Ratio Schedule 6-43 6.19 SFC with Control Mode 01 6-45 6.20 Optimal T4.1 vs. NHCl 6-46 6.21 Adjusted SFC for... 18 Intermediate Power to Idle Decelberation at Mach 2.2 and 36,089 Feet 7-39 7.19 Idle to Intermediate Power Acceleration at Mach 1.2 and 500 feet 7

Multi-device studies of pedestal physics and confinement in the I-mode regime

DOE PAGES

Hubbard, A. E.; Osborne, T.; Ryter, F.; ...

2016-07-05

This paper describes joint ITPA studies of the I-mode regime, which features an edge thermal barrier together with L-mode-like particle and impurity transport and no Edge Localized Modes (ELMs). The regime has been demonstrated on the Alcator C-Mod, ASDEX Upgrade and DIII-D tokamaks, over a wide range of device parameters and pedestal conditions. Dimensionless parameters at the pedestal show overlap across devices and extend to low collisionality. When they are matched, pedestal temperature profiles are also similar. Pedestals are stable to peeling ballooning modes, consistent with lack of ELMs. Access to Imode is independent of heating method (neutral beam injection,more » Ion Cyclotron and/or Electron Cyclotron Resonance Heating). Normalized energy confinement H 98,y2 ≥ 1 has been achieved for a range of 3 ≤ q 95 ≤ 4.9 and scales favourably with power. Changes in turbulence in the pedestal region accompany the transition from L-mode to I-mode. The L-I threshold increases with plasma density and current, and with device size, but has a weak dependence on toroidal magnetic field B T. The upper limit of power for I-modes, which is set by I-H transitions, increases with B T and the power range is largest on Alcator C-Mod at B > 5 T. Finally, issues for extrapolation to ITER and other future fusion devices are discussed.« less

Progress in understanding the enhanced pedestal H-mode in NSTX

DOE PAGES

Gerhardt, S. P.; Canik, J. M.; Maingi, R.; ...

2014-08-01

The paper describes the enhanced pedestal (EP) H-mode observed in the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX). The defining characteristics of EP H-mode are given, namely i)transition after the L- to H-mode transition, ii) region of very steep ion temperature gradient, and iii) associated region of strong rotational shear. A newly observed long-pulse EP H-mode example shows quiescent behavior for as long as the heating and current drive sources are maintained. Cases are shown where the region of steep ion temperature gradient is located at the very edge, and cases where it is shifted up to 10 cm inward from themore » plasma edge; these cases are united by a common dependence of the ion temperature gradient on the toroidal rotation frequency shear. EP H-mode examples have been observed across a wide range of q95 and pedestal collisionality. No strong changes in the fluctuation amplitudes have been observed following the eP H-mode transition, and transport analysis indicates that the ion t hermal transport is comparable to or less than anticipated from a simple neoclassical transport model. Cases are shown where EP H-modes were reliably generated, through these low-q95 examples were difficult to sustain. A case where an externally triggered ELM precipitates the transition to EP H-mode is also shown, though an initial experiment designed to trigger EP-H-modes in this fashion was successful.« less

Excitation of high frequency pressure driven modes in non-axisymmetric equilibrium at high βpol in PBX-M

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sesnic, S.; Holland, A.; Kaita, R.; Kaye, S. M.; Okabayashi, M.; Takahashi, H.; Asakura, N.; Bell, R. E.; Bernabei, S.; Chance, M. S.; Duperrex, P.-A.; Fonck, R. J.; Gammel, G. M.; Greene, G. J.; Hatcher, R. E.; Jardin, S. C.; Jiang, T.; Kessel, C. E.; Kugel, H. W.; Leblanc, B.; Levinton, F. M.; Manickam, J.; Ono, M.; Paul, S. F.; Powell, E. T.; Qin, Y.; Roberts, D. W.; Sauthoff, N. R.

1993-12-01

High frequency pressure driven modes have been observed in high poloidal beta discharges in the Princeton Beta Experiment Modification (PBX-M). These modes are excited in a non-axisymmetric equilibrium characterized by a large, low frequency mt = 1/nt = 1 island, and they are capable of expelling fast ions. The modes reside on or very close to the q = 1 surface and have mode numbers with either mh = nh or (less probably) mh/nh = mh/(mh-1), with mh varying between 3 and 10. Occasionally these modes are simultaneously localized in the vicinity of the ml = 2/nl = 1 island. The high frequency modes near the q = 1 surface also exhibit a ballooning character, being significantly stronger on the large major radius side of the plasma. When a large mt = 1/nt = 1 island is present, the mode is poloidally localized in the immediate vicinity of the X point of the island. The modes occur exclusively in high beta beam heated discharges and are likely to be driven by the beam ions. They can thus be a manifestation of either a toroidicity induced shear Alfven eigenmode (TAE) at q = (2mh+1)/2nh, a kinetic ballooning mode, or some other type of pressure driven (high β) mode. Most of the data are consistent with the theoretical predictions for the TAE gap mode. Since the high frequency modes in PBX-M, however, are found exclusively on or in the immediate neighbourhood of magnetic surfaces with low rational numbers (q = 1, 2,...), other possibilities are not excluded

Rotation and neoclassical ripple transport in ITER

DOE PAGES

Paul, Elizabeth Joy; Landreman, Matt; Poli, Francesca M.; ...

2017-07-13

Neoclassical transport in the presence of non-axisymmetric magnetic fields causes a toroidal torque known as neoclassical toroidal viscosity (NTV). The toroidal symmetry of ITER will be broken by the finite number of toroidal field coils and by test blanket modules (TBMs). The addition of ferritic inserts (FIs) will decrease the magnitude of the toroidal field ripple. 3D magnetic equilibria in the presence of toroidal field ripple and ferromagnetic structures are calculated for an ITER steady-state scenario using the Variational Moments Equilibrium Code (VMEC). Furthermore, neoclassical transport quantities in the presence of these error fields are calculated using the Stellarator Fokker-Planckmore » Iterative Neoclassical Conservative Solver (SFINCS).« less

Rotation and neoclassical ripple transport in ITER

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Paul, Elizabeth Joy; Landreman, Matt; Poli, Francesca M.

Neoclassical transport in the presence of non-axisymmetric magnetic fields causes a toroidal torque known as neoclassical toroidal viscosity (NTV). The toroidal symmetry of ITER will be broken by the finite number of toroidal field coils and by test blanket modules (TBMs). The addition of ferritic inserts (FIs) will decrease the magnitude of the toroidal field ripple. 3D magnetic equilibria in the presence of toroidal field ripple and ferromagnetic structures are calculated for an ITER steady-state scenario using the Variational Moments Equilibrium Code (VMEC). Furthermore, neoclassical transport quantities in the presence of these error fields are calculated using the Stellarator Fokker-Planckmore » Iterative Neoclassical Conservative Solver (SFINCS).« less

Toroidal cell and battery. [storage battery for high amp-hour load applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nagle, W. J. (Inventor)

1981-01-01

A toroidal storage battery designed to handle relatively high amp-hour loads is described. The cell includes a wound core disposed within a pair of toroidal channel shaped electrodes spaced apart by nylon insulator. The shape of the case electrodes of this toroidal cell allows a first planar doughnut shaped surface and the inner cylindrical case wall to be used as a first electrode and a second planar doughnut shaped surface and the outer cylindrical case wall to be used as a second electrode. Connectors may be used to stack two or more toroidal cells together by connecting substantially the entire surface area of the first electrode of a first cell to substantially the entire surface area of the second electrode of a second cell. The central cavity of each toroidal cell may be used as a conduit for pumping a fluid through the toroidal cell to thereby cool the cell.

Buckling analysis of Big Dee Vacuum Vessel

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lightner, S.; Gallix, R.

1983-12-01

A simplified three-dimensional shell buckling analysis of the GA Technologies Inc., Big Dee Vacuum Vessel (V/V) was performed using the finite element program TRICO. A coarse-mesh linear elastic model, which accommodated the support boundary conditions, was used to determine the buckling mode shape under a uniform external pressure. Using this buckling mode shape, refined models were used to calculate the linear buckling load (P/sub crit/) more accurately. Several different designs of the Big Dee V/V were considered in this analysis. The supports for the V/V were equally-spaced radial pins at the outer diameter of the mid-plane. For all the casesmore » considered, the buckling mode was axisymmetric in the toroidal direction. Therefore, it was possible to use only a small angular sector of a toric shell for the refined analysis. P/sub crit/ for the Big Dee is about 60 atm for a uniform external pressure. Also investigated in this analysis were the effects of geometrical imperfections and non-uniform pressure distributions.« less

Comparison of the numerical modelling and experimental measurements of DIII-D separatrix displacements during H-modes with resonant magnetic perturbations

DOE PAGES

Orlov, Dmitry M.; Moyer, Richard A.; Evans, Todd E.; ...

2014-08-15

Numerical modeling of the plasma boundary position and its displacement due to external magnetic perturbations in DIII-D low-collisionality H-mode discharges is presented. The results of the vacuum model are compared to the experimental measurements for boundary displacements including Thomson scattering electron temperature T e, charge exchange recombination spectroscopy, beam emission spectroscopy, soft x-ray, and divertor Langmuir probe measurements. Magnetically perturbed discharges with toroidal mode number n=2 and n=3 are studied. It is shown that the vacuum model predictions agree well with the measurements above and below the midplane, and disagree at the outer midplane in discharges where significant kink amplificationmore » is present. Lastly, the role of the plasma response is studied using the two-fluid MHD code M3D-C 1, and the results are compared to the vacuum model showing that the plasma response model underestimates the boundary displacements.« less

Measurement of deuterium density profiles in the H-mode steep gradient region using charge exchange recombination spectroscopy on DIII-D

DOE PAGES

Haskey, S. R.; Grierson, B. A.; Burrell, K. H.; ...

2016-09-26

Recent completion of a thirty two channel main-ion (deuterium) charge exchange recombination spectroscopy (CER) diagnostic on the DIII-D tokamak enables detailed comparisons between impurity and main-ion temperature, density, and toroidal rotation. In a H-mode DIII-D discharge, these new measurement capabilities are used to provide the deuterium density profile, demonstrate the importance of profile alignment between Thomson scattering and CER diagnostics, and aid in determining the electron temperature at the separatrix. Sixteen sightlines cover the core of the plasma and another sixteen are densely packed towards the plasma edge, providing high resolution measurements across the pedestal and steep gradient region inmore » H-mode plasmas. Extracting useful physical quantities such as deuterium density is challenging due to multiple photoemission processes. Finally, these challenges are overcome using a detailed fitting model and by forward modeling the photoemission using the FIDASIM code, which implements a comprehensive collisional radiative model. Published by AIP Publishing.« less

Measurement of deuterium density profiles in the H-mode steep gradient region using charge exchange recombination spectroscopy on DIII-D.

PubMed

Haskey, S R; Grierson, B A; Burrell, K H; Chrystal, C; Groebner, R J; Kaplan, D H; Pablant, N A; Stagner, L

2016-11-01

Recent completion of a thirty two channel main-ion (deuterium) charge exchange recombination spectroscopy (CER) diagnostic on the DIII-D tokamak [J. L. Luxon, Nucl. Fusion 42, 614 (2002)] enables detailed comparisons between impurity and main-ion temperature, density, and toroidal rotation. In a H-mode DIII-D discharge, these new measurement capabilities are used to provide the deuterium density profile, demonstrate the importance of profile alignment between Thomson scattering and CER diagnostics, and aid in determining the electron temperature at the separatrix. Sixteen sightlines cover the core of the plasma and another sixteen are densely packed towards the plasma edge, providing high resolution measurements across the pedestal and steep gradient region in H-mode plasmas. Extracting useful physical quantities such as deuterium density is challenging due to multiple photoemission processes. These challenges are overcome using a detailed fitting model and by forward modeling the photoemission using the FIDASIM code, which implements a comprehensive collisional radiative model.

MHD and resonant instabilities in JT-60SA during current ramp-up with off-axis N-NB injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bierwage, A.; Toma, M.; Shinohara, K.

2017-12-01

The excitation of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) and resonant instabilities and their effect on the plasma profiles during the current ramp-up phase of a beam-driven JT-60SA tokamak plasma is studied using the MHD-PIC hybrid code MEGA. In the simple scenario considered, the plasma is only driven by one negative-ion-based neutral beam, depositing 500 keV deuterons at 5 MW power off-axis at about mid-radius. The beam injection starts half-way in the ramp-up phase. Within 1 s, the beam-driven plasma current and fast ion pressure produce a configuration that is strongly unstable to rapidly growing MHD and resonant modes. Using MEGA, modes with low toroidal mode numbers in the range n = 1-4 are examined in detail and shown to cause substantial changes in the plasma profiles. The necessity to develop reduced models and incorporate the effects of such instabilities in integrated codes used to simulate the evolution of entire plasma discharges is discussed.

Measurement of deuterium density profiles in the H-mode steep gradient region using charge exchange recombination spectroscopy on DIII-D

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Haskey, S. R.; Grierson, B. A.; Burrell, K. H.

Recent completion of a thirty two channel main-ion (deuterium) charge exchange recombination spectroscopy (CER) diagnostic on the DIII-D tokamak enables detailed comparisons between impurity and main-ion temperature, density, and toroidal rotation. In a H-mode DIII-D discharge, these new measurement capabilities are used to provide the deuterium density profile, demonstrate the importance of profile alignment between Thomson scattering and CER diagnostics, and aid in determining the electron temperature at the separatrix. Sixteen sightlines cover the core of the plasma and another sixteen are densely packed towards the plasma edge, providing high resolution measurements across the pedestal and steep gradient region inmore » H-mode plasmas. Extracting useful physical quantities such as deuterium density is challenging due to multiple photoemission processes. Finally, these challenges are overcome using a detailed fitting model and by forward modeling the photoemission using the FIDASIM code, which implements a comprehensive collisional radiative model. Published by AIP Publishing.« less

ICRF fast wave current drive and mode conversion current drive in EAST tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, L.; Yang, C.; Gong, X. Y.; Lu, X. Q.; Du, D.; Chen, Y.

2017-10-01

Fast wave in the ion-cyclotron resonance frequency (ICRF) range is a promising candidate for non-inductive current drive (CD), which is essential for long pulse and high performance operation of tokamaks. A numerical study on the ICRF fast wave current drive (FWCD) and mode-conversion current drive (MCCD) in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) is carried out by means of the coupled full wave and Ehst-Karney parameterization methods. The results show that FWCD efficiency is notable in two frequency regimes, i.e., f ≥ 85 MHz and f = 50-65 MHz, where ion cyclotron absorption is effectively avoided, and the maximum on-axis driven current per unit power can reach 120 kA/MW. The sensitivity of the CD efficiency to the minority ion concentration is confirmed, owing to fast wave mode conversion, and the peak MCCD efficiency is reached for 22% minority-ion concentration. The effects of the wave-launch position and the toroidal wavenumber on the efficiency of current drive are also investigated.

Measurement of deuterium density profiles in the H-mode steep gradient region using charge exchange recombination spectroscopy on DIII-D

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haskey, S. R.; Grierson, B. A.; Burrell, K. H.; Chrystal, C.; Groebner, R. J.; Kaplan, D. H.; Pablant, N. A.; Stagner, L.

2016-11-01

Recent completion of a thirty two channel main-ion (deuterium) charge exchange recombination spectroscopy (CER) diagnostic on the DIII-D tokamak [J. L. Luxon, Nucl. Fusion 42, 614 (2002)] enables detailed comparisons between impurity and main-ion temperature, density, and toroidal rotation. In a H-mode DIII-D discharge, these new measurement capabilities are used to provide the deuterium density profile, demonstrate the importance of profile alignment between Thomson scattering and CER diagnostics, and aid in determining the electron temperature at the separatrix. Sixteen sightlines cover the core of the plasma and another sixteen are densely packed towards the plasma edge, providing high resolution measurements across the pedestal and steep gradient region in H-mode plasmas. Extracting useful physical quantities such as deuterium density is challenging due to multiple photoemission processes. These challenges are overcome using a detailed fitting model and by forward modeling the photoemission using the FIDASIM code, which implements a comprehensive collisional radiative model.

Behavior of MHD Instabilities of the Large Helical Device near the Effective Plasma Boundary in the Magnetic Stochastic Region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohdachi, S.; Suzuki, Y.; Sakakibara, S.; Watanabe, K. Y.; Ida, K.; Goto, M.; Du, X. D.; Narushima, Y.; Takemura, Y.; Yamada, H.

In the high beta experiments of the Large Helical Device (LHD), the plasma tends to expand from the last closed flux surface (LCFS) determined by the vacuum magnetic field. The pressure/temperature gradient in the external region is finite. The scale length of the pressure profile does not change so much even when the mean free path of electrons exceeds the connection length of the magnetic field line to the wall. There appear MHD instabilities with amplitude of 10-4 of the toroidal magnetic field. From the mode number of the activities (m/n = 2/3, 1/2, 2/4), the location of the corresponding rational surface is outside the vacuum LCFS. The location of the mode is consistent with the fluctuation measurement, e.g., soft X-ray detector arrays. The MHD mode localized in the magnetic stochastic region is affected by the magnetic field structure estimated by the connection length to the wall using 3D equilibrium calculation.

The phase-space dependence of fast-ion interaction with tearing modes

DOE PAGES

Heidbrink, William W.; Bardoczi, Laszlo; Collins, Cami S.; ...

2018-03-19

Modulation of various neutral beam sources probes the interaction of fast ions with tearing modes (TM) in the DIII-D tokamak. As measured by electron cyclotron emission, the (m,n) = (2,1) tearing modes have an island width of ~8 cm and change phase 180 at the q = 2 surface. (Here, m is the poloidal mode number and n is the toroidal mode number.) Deuterium neutral beam injection by six sources with differing injection geometries produces the fast ions. To study the interaction in different parts of phase space, on successive discharges, one of the six sources is modulated at 20more » Hz to populate different fast-ion orbits. The modulation only changes the island width by a few millimeters, implying that any fast-ion effect on mode stability is below detection limits. When compared to the expected signals in the absence of TM-induced transport, both the average and modulated neutron signals deviate, implying that fast-ion transport occurs in much of phase space. Fast-ion D-α (FIDA) measurements detect reductions in signal at wavelengths that are sensitive to counter-passing ions. Neutral particle analyzer data imply poor confinement of trapped fast ions. Lastly, calculations of the expected fast-ion transport that use measured TM properties successfully reproduce the data.« less

Nonlinear fishbone dynamics in spherical tokamaks

DOE Data Explorer

Wang, Feng [Princeton Plasma Physics Lab. (PPPL), Princeton, NJ (United States); Dalian Univ Technol, Sch Phys & Optoelect Technol, Minist Educ, Key Lab Mat Modificat Laser Ion & Electron Beams, Dalian 116024, Peoples R China.; Fu, G.Y. [Princeton Plasma Physics Lab. (PPPL), Princeton, NJ (United States); Institute for Fusion Theory and Simulation and Department of Physics Hangzhou, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, People's Republic of China; Shen, Wei [Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Hefei 230031, People's Republic of China

2017-01-01

Linear and nonlinear kinetic-MHD hybrid simulations have been carried out to investigate linear stability and nonlinear dynamics of beam-driven fishbone instability in spherical tokamak plasmas. Realistic NSTX parameters with finite toroidal rotation were used. The results show that the fishbone is driven by both trapped and passing particles. The instability drive of passing particles is comparable to that of trapped particles in the linear regime. The effects of rotation are destabilizing and a new region of instability appears at higher q min (>1.5) values, q min being the minimum of safety factor profile. In the nonlinear regime, the mode saturates due to flattening of beam ion distribution, and this persists after initial saturation while mode frequency chirps down in such a way that the resonant trapped particles move out radially and keep in resonance with the mode. Correspondingly, the flattening region of beam ion distribution expands radially outward. A substantial fraction of initially non-resonant trapped particles become resonant around the time of mode saturation and keep in resonance with the mode as frequency chirps down. On the other hand, the fraction of resonant passing particles is significantly smaller than that of trapped particles. Our analysis shows that trapped particles provide the main drive to the mode in the nonlinear regime.

Nonlinear fishbone dynamics in spherical tokamaks

DOE PAGES

Wang, Feng; Fu, G. Y.; Shen, Wei

2016-11-22

Linear and nonlinear kinetic-MHD hybrid simulations have been carried out to investigate linear stability and nonlinear dynamics of beam-driven fishbone instability in spherical tokamak plasmas. Realistic NSTX parameters with finite toroidal rotation were used. Our results show that the fishbone is driven by both trapped and passing particles. The instability drive of passing particles is comparable to that of trapped particles in the linear regime. The effects of rotation are destabilizing and a new region of instability appears at higher q min (>1.5) values, q min being the minimum of safety factor profile. In the nonlinear regime, the mode saturatesmore » due to flattening of beam ion distribution, and this persists after initial saturation while mode frequency chirps down in such a way that the resonant trapped particles move out radially and keep in resonance with the mode. Correspondingly, the flattening region of beam ion distribution expands radially outward. Furthermore, a substantial fraction of initially non-resonant trapped particles become resonant around the time of mode saturation and keep in resonance with the mode as frequency chirps down. On the other hand, the fraction of resonant passing particles is significantly smaller than that of trapped particles. Finally, our analysis shows that trapped particles provide the main drive to the mode in the nonlinear regime.« less

The effects of differential flow between rational surfaces on toroidal resistive MHD modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brennan, Dylan; Halfmoon, Michael; Rhodes, Dov; Cole, Andrew; Okabayashi, Michio; Paz-Soldan, Carlos; Finn, John

2016-10-01

Differential flow between resonant surfaces can strongly affect the coupling and penetration of resonant components of resistive modes, and yet this mechanism is not yet fully understood. This study focuses on the evolution of tearing instabilities and the penetration of imposed resonant magnetic perturbations (RMPs) in tokamak configurations relevant to DIII-D and ITER, including equilibrium flow shear. It has been observed on DIII-D that the onset of tearing instabilities leading to disruption is often coincident with a loss of differential rotation between a higher m/n tearing surface (normally the 4/3 or 3/2) and a lower m/n tearing surface (normally the 2/1). Imposing RMPs can strongly affect this coupling and the torques between the modes. We apply the nonlinear 3-D resistive magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) code NIMROD to study the mechanisms by which these couplings occur. Reduced MHD analyses are applied to study the effects of differential flow between resonant surfaces in the simulations. Interaction between resonant modes can cause significant energy transfer between them, effectively stabilizing one mode while the other grows. The flow mitigates this transfer, but also affects the individual modes. The combination of these effects determines the nonlinear outcome. Supported by US DOE Grants DE-SC0014005 and DE-SC0014119.

Influence of helical external driven current on nonlinear resistive tearing mode evolution and saturation in tokamaks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, W.; Wang, S.; Ma, Z. W.

2017-06-01

The influences of helical driven currents on nonlinear resistive tearing mode evolution and saturation are studied by using a three-dimensional toroidal resistive magnetohydrodynamic code (CLT). We carried out three types of helical driven currents: stationary, time-dependent amplitude, and thickness. It is found that the helical driven current is much more efficient than the Gaussian driven current used in our previous study [S. Wang et al., Phys. Plasmas 23(5), 052503 (2016)]. The stationary helical driven current cannot persistently control tearing mode instabilities. For the time-dependent helical driven current with f c d = 0.01 and δ c d < 0.04 , the island size can be reduced to its saturated level that is about one third of the initial island size. However, if the total driven current increases to about 7% of the total plasma current, tearing mode instabilities will rebound again due to the excitation of the triple tearing mode. For the helical driven current with time dependent strength and thickness, the reduction speed of the radial perturbation component of the magnetic field increases with an increase in the driven current and then saturates at a quite low level. The tearing mode is always controlled even for a large driven current.