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(TH3/5) Theoretical Understanding of Tokamak Pressure Limits

H. R. Wilson¹⁾, J. W. Connor¹⁾, C. G. Gimblett¹⁾, R. J. Hastie²⁾, F. Waelbroeck^3)
 
1) EURATOM/UKAEA Fusion Association, Culham Science Centre, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 3DB UK
²⁾ MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center, 167 Albany Street, NW16-234 Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
³⁾ Institute for Fusion Studies, University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712 USA

Abstract.  A self-consistent theory for the role of the polarisation current in magnetic island evolution is presented, which suggests that it can, under certain circumstances, provide a threshold island width for growth of neoclassical tearing modes. However, at high $\beta$ coupling to an unstable resistive wall mode (RWM) removes this threshold, and would limit the achievable plasma pressure. Techniques for stabilising the RWM using a rotating shell are described, thus providing the possibility of high $\beta$ operation.

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