Calculations of Alfven wave driving forces, plasma flow, and current drivein the Tokamak Chauffage Alfvin wave experiment in Brazil (TCABR)

The current and plasma flows driven by ponderomotive forces are calculated for tokamak plasmas, using a kinetic code in the Alfven range of frequencie s. The rf (radio frequency) ponderomotive force is expressed as a sum of a gradient part and of a wave momentum transfer force, which is proportional to wave dissipation (electron Landau damping and transit time magnetic pump ing). Finally, the rf force is balanced by the viscous force in the fluid m omentum response to the rf fields in the plasma. The relative magnitudes of the different forces for kinetic and global Alfven waves with low phase ve locities are explicitly calculated. It is shown that, dissipating in electr ons, Alfven waves can drive ion flow via the gradient force, which is domin ated in m=0-sideband harmonic resonance induced by toroidal mode coupling. Estimates of power requirements to drive substantial poloidal flow in the T okamak Chauffage Alfven wave heating experiment in Brazil (TCABR) [L. Ruchk o, M. C. Andrade, R. M. O. Galvao, Nucl. Fusion 30, 503 (1996)] are made. ( C) 2001 American Institute of Physics. [DOI: 10.1063/1.1332813].