The role of kinetic effects, including plasma rotation and energetic particles, in resistive wall mode stability

摘要

Introduction - Kinetic Theory of RWM Stabilization Continuous, disruption-free operation of high-beta tokamaks requires stabilization of the resistive wall mode (RWM). Theoretically, the RWM is thought to be stabilized by energy dissipation mechanisms that depend on plasma rotation and kinetic effects [1]. Experiments in NSTX show that the RWM can be destabilized in high rotation plasmas while low rotation plasmas can be stable, which calls into question the concept of a simple critical plasma rotation threshold for stability. Kinetic modification of ideal stability is calculated with the MISK code, using experimental equilibrium reconstructions. Trapped ions provide the dominant kinetic resonances, allowing a more complex relationship between plasma rotation and RWM stability than simpler critical rotation theories. Energetic particles contribute an important stabilizing effect as well.