Analysis of energetic particle driven modes and interchange modes in LHD plasma using the gyro-fluid code FAR3d

Energetic particles (EP) generated by the neutral beam injectors (NBI) in Large Helical Device (LHD) destabilize Alfvén Eigenmodes (AE) and energetic particle modes (EPM), leading to a reduction of the device performance. In particular, AE/EPM induce EP losses before thermalization that causes a lower plasma heating efficiency and damages to plasma facing components. Pressure gradient driven modes (PGDM) as interchange and ballooning modes also hamper the capability of LHD to confine the thermal plasma, limiting the maximum thermal plasma β of the discharge. The present study summarizes AE/EPM and PGDM characterization and optimization analysis performed in LHD plasma using the gyro-fluid code FAR3d. The linear and saturation phase of AE/EPM and PGDM leading to the destabilization of MHD burst, energetic-ion-driven resistive interchange mode (EIC) burst, internal collapse and saw-tooth like events are discussed. Optimization trends with respect to the NBI operation regime, magnetic field configuration, thermal plasma properties, external actuators and multiple EP populations effects are explored, comparing experiment and simulation data. Improved operation scenarios are identified and confirmed in dedicated experiments thanks to the minimization or avoidance of AE/EPM and PGDM along the discharge.