On the stabilization of neoclassical magnetohydrodynamic tearing modes using localized current drive or heating

Abstract

The effectiveness of using localized current drive or heating to suppress the formation and growth of neoclassical magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) tearing modes is addressed. The most efficient way to use an auxiliary current source is to cause current to flow in the same direction as the equilibrium bootstrap current and phase the current relative to the magnetic island such that the current is deposited on the O-point of the island. Theoretical estimates for the amount of required current to suppress the formation of a large magnetic island is of order a few percent of the equilibrium current. If the suppression is successful, the magnetic island will saturate at a width of order the radial localization width of the current source. Localized heating at the O-point of the magnetic island can also produce stabilizing effects relative to magnetic island growth. The effects of the driven current or heating can be illustrated by using a phase diagram of the island growth.