Generation of zonal ow (ZF) by energetic particle (EP) driven toroidal Alfven
eigenmode (TAE) is investigated using nonlinear gyrokinetic theory. It is found
that, nonlinear resonant EP contri- bution dominates over the usual Reynolds
and Maxwell stresses due to thermal plasma nonlinear response. ZF can be forced
driven in the linear growth stage of TAE, with the growth rate being twice the
TAE growth rate. The ZF generation mechanism is shown to be related to
polarization induced by resonant EP nonlinearity. The generated ZF has both the
usual meso-scale and micro- scale radial structures. Possible consequences of
this forced driven ZF on the nonlinear dynamics of TAE are also discussed.Comment: To be submitted to Physics of Plasma
