Dynamics of resonant magnetic field penetration and plasma rotation

Abstract

Results of calculations and analysis of the penetration of resonant magnetic perturbations (RMP) into tokamak plasma are presented. The TEAR code used for the calculations is based on a two-fluid magnetohydrodynamics approximation that gives coupled diffusion-type equations for the magnetic flux perturbation and for plasma rotation velocities in toroidal and poloidal directions. The radial distribution of the magnetic flux perturbation is calculated taking account of an externally applied RMP and magnetic perturbation generated by an eddy current in the resistive-vacuum vessel. The decoupling of magnetic-island velocity from the velocity of plasma rotation is employed in the calculations according to available experimental evidence and corresponding theoretical understanding. The account of this decoupling, as well as of plasma rotation in the poloidal direction in addition to the toroidal one, reduces the RMP penetration threshold and accelerates the penetration process. The main attention is paid to the dependences of the RMP penetration dynamics on the simulation conditions. The simulation findings are compared with available experimental data. Some predictions of the penetration threshold values for ITER conditions are presented.