Linear n=2 TAE structure and stability


Questions can be sent to N.N. Gorelenkov: ngorelen@pppl.gov.
We fix simple case with analytical plasma profiles

this case is similar to the previous one, but with n=2. We show nevertheless used plasma parameters
R0=3m, a=1m, circular, zero beta tokamak equilibrium,
q=1.5+0.6*psi where psi is a normalized poloidal flux varying from 0 at axis to 1 at the edge.
Plasma density profile is constant.

Energetic ion parameters:
v_h/v_A =1.7
rho_h/a =0.085
EP beta profile ~ exp(-psi/0.37)

Distribution function is taken either Maxwellian or slowing down. In the latter case we have
f=1/(v**3+v_crit**3) * exp(-<psi>/0.37)
where velocities are normalized to the injection velocity v_h and
v_crit=0.58
Note that <Psi> in this expression is considered averaged over the particle guiding center orbit. In this case it is a function of particle constants of motion as it should be. One can show that for alpha particles the distribution function is a function of <Psi>.  We used <Psi> computing the critical velocity and the scattering frequency. One simple and relatively accurate workaround of how to go from <Psi> to particle integrals of motion is following.
        If we define P_phi = e Psi /mc - v|| R, we find that for trapped particle with the accuracy up to ratio of the orbit width to the minor radius times epsilon^2 we have P_phi = e <Psi> /mc. For passing particles with the same accuracy we find P_phi = e*<Psi> /mc - sigma*v*sqrt( 1 -mu*B0/E )R0, where sigma is the sign of v||, B0 is the magnetic field at the center of the magnetic surface, and R0 is the major radius of the surface, mu is the adiabatic moment.


These parameters can correspond to deuterium plasma and EP mass and charge:
m_i = m_f = 2
z_i = z_f = 1

EEP0 = 173keV
B0     = 1T
ne     = 4.142 1013 cm-3
Te     = 3.14 keV (used for v_crit value)

NOVA finds two modes. One is like regular (even coupletes) TAE with the eigenfrequency omega = 0.5593 vA/ q1R0 where q1=q(a)=2.1.
The structure of this n=2 TAE is  shown as radial dependence of r times normal component of
the plasma displacement poloidal harmonics (below left) and the same function in R,Z plane (below right).

           

Stability properties are computed first with the Maxwellian distribution function of EPs.
Results are summarized in the following figure, where "effective" particles charge is changed
during the scan. Growth rates are normalized to fast ion beta in the center (beta=8pi pressure/B0^2,
where B0 is the magnetic field taken in the geometrical center of the plasma) is plotted against zf-1:

For slowind down similar scan produces following dependencies:

In the latter case theory curve was obtained for the model distribution function with v_crit term. Thus
good agreement with a theory in the ZOW limit (high Z_f) is achieved.
Theoretical expressions are derived for zero orbit EPs. The expressions are documented in this FILE.