Nonlinear simulation of energetic particle modes in high-beta tokamak plasma

Abstract

The effect of bulk pressure on the nonlinear dynamics of energetic particle modes (EPM) in a neutral-beamdriven JT-60U discharge is examined through nonlinear hybrid (MHD + particle) simulations with realistic values of the plasma beta and in realistic flux surface geometry. In the scenario studied, the linear EPM growth rate is 20% higher in the finite-beta compared to the zero-beta case, but compressibility stabilizes the mode by roughly the same amount. In the finite-beta case, the nonlinear frequency shift and the radial spreading/propagation of the mode are affected by the beta-induced gap in the shear Alfvén continuum. Although the evolution of the modes is affected by bulk pressure, compressibility and geometry, the overall energetic ion transport during the first few 100 Alfvén times following the saturation of the EPM is comparable in all cases studied. © 2012 The Japan Society of Plasma Science and Nuclear Fusion Research.