Simulation of the Ion-Beam-Driven Drift Instability in a Magnetic Trap I

摘要

Recent experiments on the TMX-U device at LLNL have indicated the possibility of a drift wave being driven unstable by the injection of neutral beams in the thermal barrier region. A review of linear theory is presented in the local approximation. In addition, particle simulations are used to understand the nonlinear characteristics of this instability. The particle simulations are performed using 1d - 3v and 2d - 3v electrostatic particle simulation codes. The instability is shown to saturate by beam trapping, nonlinear electron effects, and nonlinear motion parallel to the density gradient. Resonant ExB motion is a significant process for some of the beam particles. This process is closely associated with the trapping of beam ions. Harmonic generation is also observed, as appears in some of the experimental data. Qualitative nonlinear theory is presented in support of the particle simulations.