Full toroidal plasma response to externally applied non-axisymmetric magnetic fields

Journal article, 2010

The plasma response to resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP) and nonresonant perturbation fields is computed within a linear, full toroidal, single-fluid resistive magnetohydrodynamic framework. The response of resonant harmonics depends sensitively on the plasma resistivity and on the toroidal rotation. The response of nonresonant harmonics is not sensitive to most of the plasma parameters, except the equilibrium pressure. Both midplane and the off midplane odd parity RMP coils trigger a similar field response from the plasma. The RMP fields with different toroidal mode numbers trigger qualitatively similar plasma response. A simple model of the electron diamagnetic flow suggests significant effects both in the pedestal region and beyond.