Internal Kink Mode Dynamics in High-beta NSTX Plasmas

[摘要] Saturated internal kink modes have been observed in many of the highest toroidal {beta} discharges of the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX). These modes often cause rotation flattening in the plasma core, can degrade energy confinement, and in some cases contribute to the complete loss of plasma angular momentum and stored energy. Characteristics of the modes are measured using soft X-ray, kinetic profile, and magnetic diagnostics. Toroidal flows approaching Alfvenic speeds, island pressure peaking, and enhanced viscous and diamagnetic effects associated with high-{beta} may contribute to mode nonlinear stabilization. These saturation mechanisms are investigated for NSTX parameters and compared to experimental data.

[发布日期] 2004-12-22 [发布机构] Princeton University. Plasma Physics Laboratory.

[关键词] Saturation;Stabilization;70 Plasma Physics And Fusion Technology;Kinetics;Stored Energy High-Beta Plasmas