Modification of Tokamak Ballooning Stability Boundaries by Alpha Populations

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Abstract
For Tα/Ti < 150 (where Tα is the alpha-mean energy and Ti the ion temperature), the trapped alpha precision resonance destabilizes the kinetic ballooning mode of the bulk plasma. Using a slowing down distribution and both circular and noncircular equilibrium models, the eigenfrequencies of the resonant ballooning integral equation are computed. One finds lower critical betas and a widening of the unstable region, particularly at higher electron temperature and for flat q, steep pressure profiles typical of ignited sawtoothing plasmas.

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