Stable Alfven Wave Dynamo Action in the Reversed Field Pinch

Previous theoretical work has suggested that Alfven waves may be related to the anomalous toroidal magnetic flux generation and extended (over classical expectations) discharge times observed in the reversed field pinch. This thesis examines the dynamo action of stable Alfven waves as a means of generating toroidal flux, (PHI)(,z). Recent advances in linear resistive MHD stability analysis are used to calculate the quasi-linear dynamo mean electromotive force, , of Alfven waves. This emf is incorporated into a one-dimensional transport and mean-field evolution code. The changing equilibrium is then fed back to the stability code to complete a computational framework that self-consistently evaluates a dynamic plasma dynamo. This technique is readily extendable to other plasmas in which dynamic stable mode action is of interest. Such plasmas include Alfven wave current-drive and plasma heating for fusion devices, as well as astrophysical and geophysical dynamo systems.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Nuclear Engineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2014

Author dc:creator

• Werley, Kenneth Alan

• Engineering, Nuclear

Identifier

(UMI)AAI8409849

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/70892