Institute for Fusion Theory and Simulation, Zhejiang University


Introduction to Nonlinear Plasma Physics - Spring 2016
Part I. Nonlinear Wave-Particle Interactions.
Announcement


Lecture Plan and Teaching Material



Abstract: This Introduction to Nonlinear Plasma Physics is divided into two parts. Part (I) is devoted to Nonlinear Wave-Particle Interactions and is lectured by Prof. Fulvio Zonca. Part (II), lectured by Prof. Liu Chen, focuses on Nonlinear Wave-Wave Interactions. Prerequisite of the course is a preliminary knowledge of general plasma physics and classical mechanics. General theoretical aspects are treated in Lectures (1 ÷ 6), which are complemented by corresponding Q&A Sessions.
 
Main areas that will be explored are:  
      i) Review of basics concepts in Hamiltonian systems and nonlinear
          charged particle dynamics. (Lecture 1) 		 
      ii) Wave particle interactions in magnetized toroidal plasmas.
           Reduced description of nonlinear dynamics. Effect of
           plasma non-uniformity and equilibrium geometry. (Lecture 2) 		 
      iii) Isolated wave-particle resonances: nonlinear Alfvén Eigenmode
           dynamics near marginal stability (Lecture 3) 		 
      iv) Non-perturbative nonlinear coherent behavior: Energetic
           Particle Modes and the notion of avalanche. (Lecture 4) 		 
      v) Wave-particle interactions with a broad fluctuation spectrum.
          Quasilinear theory and resonance broadening. (Lecture 5) 		 
      vi) Advanced topics in Quasi-linear theory. Thermal plasma effects
           and the turbulent trapping model. (Lecture 6) 		 

Lecture Notes: Available in electronic form. At the end of each lecture and during the Q&A time, 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 lecture notes, Exercises (E) of various difficulty levels are suggested. These are meant to be important part of the lectures themselves. Possible topics for Research Projects (RP) are also indicated, which require significant more in depth analysis and work.
 
Q&A Sessions: Devoted to detailed discussions and analysis of technical aspects. They are meant to be complementary to general lectures and are a necessary addendum for full appreciation of the material presented in the course.
 
Time and Location: Lectures (9am-11am) and Q&A Sessions (3pm-5pm) will be held at IFTS on April 25-27-29 and May 2-4-6.
 
   
 
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