Nonlinear Kinetic Theory and Simulation of Magnetized Plasmas:
Joint CNPS PhD Thesis project at Roma Tre University of Rome - XXXV PhD cycle.
Description: Gyrokinetic (GK) codes constitute the leading numerical tools for advanced simulation studies
in the complex magnetic field geometries characterizing strongly magnetized fusion plasmas. The main goal of
the present PhD thesis research is to provide a basis for bridging over between GK codes and the innovative approach
proposed by GeFi code (Gyrokinetc electrons Fully kinetic ions) [*]. To this aim, we have identified the linear and
nonlinear behavior of Alfvénic oscillations in a cylindrical plasma as the ideal test-bed. The focus of this
PhD thesis work has been on establishing a test case to compare GK simulation results with linear and nonlinear
theoretical results of the generation of convective cells in a cylindrical magnetized plasma. The results
are intended as a first step to construct a clear and well-understood test case, where a first cylindrical version of
GeFi could be tested against nonlinear theory and GK simulation results. The possible future extension of this work will
lead to the implementation of GeFi in realistic toroidal fusion plasmas equilibria and further benchmarks against
more general GK simulation results. Link to the PhD Thesis
[*] Y. Lin, X.Y. Wang, Z. Lin, L. Chen, A Gyrokinetic Electron and Fully Kinetic Ion
Plasma Simulation Model, Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion 47 (4), 657 (2005).
