Theoretical estimates of radial electric fields and plasma rotation induced in H-1NF by RF waves

The purpose of this study is to estimate, for planned experiments at the H-1NF heliac, nonlinear variations of the stationary radial electric field, and poloidal and toroidal plasma rotation, that result from ponderomotive forces exerted by large amplitude RF waves in the H-1NF. Similarly as in the previous studies of nonlinear transport effects induced by RF waves, the nonlinear ponderomotive force effects on the radial electric field, toroidal and poloidal plasma rotation become important for dissipated powers of the order of 1 MWm^–3 for RF waves with frequency of about 10 MHz. At these high RF powers, the nonlinear ponderomotive force effects might therefore result in important changes in plasma confinement and RF wave coupling in H-1NF.This work has been partially supported by the Australian National University, by the DIST Department of the Australian Government, by the Czech Grant Agency grants No. 202/96/1355 and 1350, and by the Queen Elisabeth II grant administered by G.G. Borg. The author is grateful to G.G. Borg and R.L. Dewar for many stimulating discussions.