3D non-linear non-adiabatic MHD simulations of core density collapse event in LHD plasma

Abstract: A new three-dimensional, non-linear, non-adiabatic Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) model has been implemented in MIPS code, which takes into account the parallel heat diffusivity. The model has been benchmarked against the former MHD model used in MIPS code. A preliminary study of the core density collapse event (CDC) observed in the Large Helical Device (LHD) plasma has been performed using the new model. The equilibrium has been constructed using HINT code for axis beta=4% plasma with a steep pressure gradient, which makes the plasma potentially unstable in the LHD. The model can show preliminary characteristics of the CDC event. The work is extended to analyze the effect of an external heating source on the CDC event. An external heat source centered at the core of the plasma triggers the CDC event earlier than the time of spontaneous CDC, caused by the increase in pressure gradient steepness. The amplitude and geometry of the heat source have been observed to have an effect on the MHD stability.