Velocity-ion temperature gradient driven modes and angular momentum transport in magnetically confined plasmas

Plasma confinement experiments continue to uncover fascinating phenomena that motivate theoretical discussion and exploration. In this thesis, we consider the phenomenon of angular momentum transport in magnetically confined plasmas. Relevant experiments and theoretical developments are presented in order to motivate the derivation of a modified version of the three-field nonlinear Hamaguchi-Horton equations. The equations are altered to include a zeroth-order parallel velocity inhomogeneity along the radially-analogous coordinate, resulting in a nonlinear system that describes the evolution of the velocity-ion temperature gradient-driven modes (VITGs). The equations are used to analyze VITG modes in the local approximation of a magnetized plasma, as well as in an inhomogeneous slab model. Applying quasilinear methods, we find a turbulent angular momentum flux in agreement with the accretion theory of the spontaneous rotation phenomenon. More advanced applications are considered for future analysis.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Physics.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2007

Author dc:creator

• Thomas, John Chandler

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Bruno Coppi.

• Physics.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/40923

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/40923