Mirror theory applied to toroidal systems
Abstract
Central features of a mirror plasma are strong departures from Maxwellian distribution functions, ambipolar potentials and densities which vary along a field line, end losses, and the mirror field itself. To examine these features, mirror theorists have developed analytical and numerical techniques to solve the Fokker-Planck equation, evaluate the potentials consistent with the resulting distribution functions, and assess the microstability of these distributions. Various combinations of mirror-plasma features are present and important in toroidal plasmas as well, particularly in the edge region and in plasmas with strong RF heating. In this paper we survey problems in toroidal plasmas where mirror theory and computational techniques are applicable, and discuss in more detail three specific examples: calculation of the toroidal generalization of the Spitzer-Haerm distribution function (from which trapped-particle effects on current drive can be calculated), evaluation of the nonuniform potential and density set up by pulsed electron-cyclotron heating, and calculation of steady-state distribution functions in the presence of strong RF heating and collisions.
- Publication:
-
Presented at the Course and Workshop on Physics of Mirrors
- Pub Date:
- August 1987
- Bibcode:
- 1987pmrf.work.....C
- Keywords:
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- Magnetic Mirrors;
- Mirror Fusion;
- Nuclear Fusion;
- Distribution Functions;
- Fusion Reactors;
- Toroidal Plasmas;
- Plasma Physics