We analytically derive the structures of the low-frequency shear Alfvén continuous spectrum due to resonant wave-particle interactions with magnetically trapped thermal particles in tokamaks. Our theoretical description asymptotically recovers known results in the relevant limits at both high and low frequencies; furthermore, it is relevant for assessing the accurate kinetic structures that are due to shear Alfvén and acoustic wave spectra in toroidal geometry. Since there is a continuous transition between various shear Alfvén wave and MHD fluctuation branches in many situations of experimental interest, the results reported in this work are of practical relevance for their interpretation when used in the theoretical framework of the general 'fishbone-like' dispersion relation.

The properties of the low frequency shear Alfvén and acoustic wave spectra in toroidal geometry are examined analytically and numerically considering wave particle interactions with magnetically trapped and circulating particles, using the theoretical model described in [I. Chavdarovski and F. Zonca, Plasma Phys. Controlled Fusion 51, 115001 (2009)] and following the framework of the generalized fishbone-like dispersion relation. Effects of trapped particles as well as diamagnetic effects on the frequencies and damping rates of the beta-induced Alfvén eigenmodes, kinetic ballooning modes and beta-induced Alfvén-acoustic eigenmodes are discussed and shown to be crucial to give a proper assessment of mode structure and stability conditions. Present results also demonstrate the mutual coupling of these various branches and suggest that frequency as well as mode polarization are crucial for their identification on the basis of experimental evidence.

The nonlinear dynamics of energetic-particle (EP) driven geodesic acoustic modes (EGAM) is investigated here. A numerical analysis with the global gyrokinetic particle-in-cell code ORB5 is performed, and the results are interpreted with the analytical theory, in close comparison with the theory of the beam-plasma instability. Only axisymmetric modes are considered, with a nonlinear dynamics determined by wave-particle interaction. Quadratic scalings of the saturated electric field with respect to the linear growth rate are found for the case of interest. As a main result, the formula for the saturation level is provided. Near the saturation, we observe a transition from adiabatic to non-adiabatic dynamics, i.e. the frequency chirping rate becomes comparable to the resonant EP bounce frequency. The numerical analysis is performed here with electrostatic simulations with circular flux surfaces, and kinetic effects of the electrons are neglected.

We present a general theoretical framework for discussing the physics of low frequency fluctuation spectra of shear Alfvén and acoustic waves in toroidal plasmas of fusion interest. This framework helps identifying the relevant dynamics and, thus, interpreting experimental observations. We also discuss the roles of such general theoretical framework for verification and validation of numerical simulation codes vs. analytic predictions and experimental results.

Nonlinear self-interaction of finite amplitude energetic particle induced geodesic acoustic mode (EGAM) is investigated using nonlinear gyrokinetic theory. It is found that both zero frequency zonal flow(ZFZF) and second harmonic can be driven by finite amplitude EGAM, with energetic particles (EPs) playing a dominant role in the nonlinear couplings through finite orbit width effects. For ZFZF, the effects of EPs on EGAM nonlinear self-coupling dominate that of the thermal plasmas which are also present; while the second harmonic generation is only possible via finite amplitude coupling though EPs. Our findings may improve the understanding of stabilizing zonal modes, and consequently, drift wave turbulence.

Since the successful first plasma generation in the middle of 2008, three experimental campaigns were successfully made for the KSTAR device, accompanied with a necessary upgrade in the power supply, heating, wall-conditioning and diagnostic systems. KSTAR was operated with the toroidal magnetic field up to 3.6 T and the circular and shaped plasmas with current up to 700 kA and pulse length of 7 s, have been achieved with limited capacity of PF magnet power supplies. The mission of the KSTAR experimental program is to achieve steady-state operations with high performance plasmas relevant to ITER and future reactors. The first phase (2008–2012) of operation of KSTAR is dedicated to the development of operational capabilities for a super-conducting device with relatively short pulse. Development of start-up scenario for a super-conducting tokamak and the understanding of magnetic field errors on start-up are one of the important issues to be resolved. Some specific operation techniques for a super-conducting device are also developed and tested. The second harmonic pre-ionization with 84 and 110 GHz gyrotrons is an example. Various parameters have been scanned to optimize the pre-ionization. Another example is the ICRF wall conditioning (ICWC), which was routinely applied during the shot to shot interval. The plasma operation window has been extended in terms of plasma beta and stability boundary. The achievement of high confinement mode was made in the last campaign with the first neutral beam injector and good wall conditioning. Plasma control has been applied in shape and position control and now a preliminary kinetic control scheme is being applied including plasma current and density. Advanced control schemes will be developed and tested in future operations including active profiles, heating and current drives and control coil-driven magnetic perturbation.

Electron particle, momentum, and energy fluxes in axisymmetric toroidal devices are derived from a version of the action-angle collision operator that includes both diffusion and drag in action-space

Using the theoretical framework of the generalized fishbone-like dispersion relation, the linear properties of beta-induced Alfvén eigenmodes (BAEs) and energetic particle continuum modes with real frequencies and growth rates strongly dependendent on the energetic particle density and resonant frequency.