Large-Eddy Simulations of Magnetohydrodynamic Turbulence in Heliophysics and Astrophysics

We live in an age in which high-performance computing is transforming the way we do science. Previously intractable problems are now becoming accessible by means of increasingly realistic numerical simulations. One of the most enduring and most challenging of these problems is turbulence. Yet, despite these advances, the extreme parameter regimes encountered in space physics and astrophysics (as in atmospheric and oceanic physics) still preclude direct numerical simulation. Numerical models must take a Large Eddy Simulation (LES) approach, explicitly computing only a fraction of the active dynamical scales. The success of such an approach hinges on how well the model can represent the subgrid-scales (SGS) that are not explicitly resolved. In addition to the parameter regime, heliophysical and astrophysical applications must also face an equally daunting challenge: magnetism. The presence of magnetic fields in a turbulent, electrically conducting fluid flow can dramatically alter the coupling between large and small scales, with potentially profound implications for LES/SGS modeling. In this review article, we summarize the state of the art in LES modeling of turbulent magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) ows. After discussing the nature of MHD turbulence and the small-scale processes that give rise to energy dissipation, plasma heating, and magnetic reconnection, we consider how these processes may best be captured within an LES/SGS framework. We then consider several special applications in heliophysics and astrophysics, assessing triumphs, challenges,and future directions

Measurements of energetic helium-3 minority distributions during ion cyclotron radio-frequency heating in the Princeton Large Torus

Ion cyclotron radio-frequency heating experiments were performed with a /sup 3/He minority ion species in a /sup 4/He majority plasma in the Princeton Large Torus. The energetic /sup 3/He ion ''tail'' was measured directly with a charge exchange neutral analyzer for the first time. Comparisons with bounce-averaged quasi-linear calculations suggest a modestly peaked radi-frequency power deposition profile. The double charge exchange process /sup 3/He/sup + +/ )plus) /sup 4/He/sup 0/ )plus) /sup 3/He/sup 0/ )plus) /sup 4/He/sup + +/ demonstrated in these measurements may be useful as part of an alpha particle diagnostic in a fusion reactor experiment. 18 refs., 4 figs

ICRF heating on TFTR

The objectives of the ICRF heating program on TFTR are discussed along with a summary of the progress made to date towards achieving those goals. A more detailed analysis of experimental observations of ICRF sawtooth stabilization is given along with a comparison of the data to a theoretical model based on energetic ion stabilization of m=1 kink instabilities. A qualitative correlation is observed between the experimental observations and model predictions, but further development of the theory coupled with more detailed experimental measurements is required in order to gain a quantitative understanding of the phenomenon. 10 refs., 6 figs

NSTX-U theory, modeling and analysis results

The mission of the low aspect ratio spherical tokamak NSTX-U is to advance the physics basis and technical solutions required for optimizing the configuration of next-step steady-state tokamak fusion devices. NSTX-U will ultimately operate at up to 2 MA of plasma current and 1 T toroidal field on axis for 5 s, and has available up to 15 MW of neutral beam injection power at different tangency radii and 6 MW of high harmonic fast wave heating. With these capabilities NSTX-U will develop the physics understanding and control tools to ramp-up and sustain high performance fully non-inductive plasmas with large bootstrap fraction and enhanced confinement enabled via the low aspect ratio, high beta configuration. With its unique capabilities, NSTX-U research also supports ITER and other critical fusion development needs. Super-Alfvenic ions in beam-heated NSTX-U plasmas access energetic particle (EP) parameter space that is relevant for both α-heated conventional and low aspect ratio burning plasmas. NSTX-U can also generate very large target heat fluxes to test conventional and innovative plasma exhaust and plasma facing component solutions. This paper summarizes recent analysis, theory and modelling progress to advance the tokamak physics basis in the areas of macrostability and 3D fields, EP stability and fast ion transport, thermal transport and pedestal structure, boundary and plasma material interaction, RF heating, scenario optimization and real-time control