Numerical tokamaks illuminate plasma physics

Plasma Physics and Numerical Simulations

Plasma is a partially or fully ionized gas. Ionized gas contains free electrons and ions which carry electric charges. Thus, plasma is subject to electromagnetic forces and can react to external electric and magnetic fields. Moreover, since plasma contains free charge carriers, their relative motion can also set internal electric and magnetic fields, which in turn also influence their dynamics....

TOkamaks and NUmerical Simulations

TOkamaks and NUmerical Simulations

Plasma Frequency Radiation in Tokamaks

Radiation from relativistic runaway electrons is considered as a source for plasma frequency radiation in tokamaks. Two specific emission mechanisms, Cerenkov emission, and radiation produced by nonlinear coupling of plasma and acoustic waves, are studied. In many cases the Cerenkov emission provides a reasonable spectral fit. It can also be used to measure the runaway current, and to est'imate...

Simulating Plasma Turbulence in Tokamaks

The development of magnetic fusion energy is a continuing national priority. Present day toroidally confined plasma experiments (tokamaks) are producing fusion power comparable to the input power needed to heat the plasma (Pfusion ≈ 0.3Pin). One of the basic physics problems is to understand turbulent transport phenomena, which cause particles and energy to escape the confining magnetic fields....