Simulation of Shear Alfv\'{e}n Waves in LAPD using the BOUT++ code

POSTER

Abstract

The linear and nonlinear physics of shear Alfv\'{e}n waves is investigated using the 3D Braginskii fluid code BOUT++. The code has been verified against analytical calculations for the dispersion of kinetic and inertial Alfv\'{e}n waves. Various mechanisms for forcing Alfv\'{e}n waves in the code are explored, including introducing localized current sources similar to physical antennas used in experiments. Using this foundation, the code is used to model nonlinear interactions among shear Alfv\'{e}n waves in a cylindrical magnetized plasma, such as that found in the Large Plasma Device (LAPD) at UCLA. In the future this investigation will allow for examination of the nonlinear interactions between shear Alfv\'{e}n waves in both laboratory and space plasmas in order to compare to predictions of MHD turbulence.

Authors

  • Di Wei

    University of Denver

  • B. Friedman

    University of California, Los Angeles, UCLA

  • Troy Carter

    U. California-Los Angeles, UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, University of California, Los Angeles

  • M.V. Umansky

    LLNL, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory