Institute for Fusion Theory and Simulation, Zhejiang University

IFTS Intensive Course on Advanced Plasma Physics-Spring 2013 Kinetic theory of meso- and micro-scale Alfvénic fluctuations in fusion plasmas Announcement

Lecture Plan and Teaching Material

Abstract: This Lecture series addresses the physics of Alfvén waves and energetic particles in burning plasmas. After a general introduction and description of physics and historic background, the linear properties of Alfvén wave in toroidal fusion plasmas are analyzed. The general theoretical framework of the fishbone like dispersion relation is introduced and allows discussing linear and nonlinear dynamics. For example, the peculiar features of the low-frequency shear Alfvén spectrum and their connection with MHD modes and micro-turbulence can be understood within this framework. Nonlinear physics in non-uniform toroidal plasmas are addressed at last, emphasizing the role of magnetic geometry and equilibrium non-uniformity in determining local vs. global nonlinear behaviors. The self-consistent interplay between mode structure nonlinear dynamics and energetic particle transport is demonstrated by the example of EPM convective amplification and fast particle avalanches. Prerequisite of the course is a preliminary knowledge of general plasma physics, fluid description of magnetized plasmas and kinetic theory, including linear gyrokinetic equations, which are briefly reviewed at the beginning of the Lecture series.
 

Main areas that will be explored are:
i) General Introduction and background (Lecture 1)
ii) Shear Alfvén Wave spectrum in toroidal geometry (Lecture 2)
iii) The general fishbone-like dispersion relation (Lecture 3)
iv) Relationship of low frequency shear Alfvén spectrum to MHD           and microturbulence (Lecture 4)
v) From local to global nonlinear behaviors (Lecture 5)
vi) Energetic Particle Modes and the notion of avalanche (Lecture 6)

Sources: Large portions of these lecture notes are based on Lectures I gave for the IFTS Intensive Courses on Advanced Plasma Physics-Spring 2009 and 2010 at the Institute for Fusion Theory and Simulation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China. These Lecture Notes are all available online.
 
Lecture Notes: Available in electronic form following the hyperlinks above. At the end of each lecture, a list of specific reading material is given explicitly. Should you have difficulty in finding literatures and papers, please contact me at fulvio.zonca@enea.it.
 
Exercises and Research Projects: In the Lectures, both Exercises (E) and Research Projects (RP) of various difficulty levels are suggested.
 

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