Gyrokinetic simulation of ion temperature gradient driven turbulence in 3D toroidal geometry

Abstract

Results from a fully nonlinear three-dimensional toroidal electrostatic gyrokinetic simulation of the ion temperature gradient instability are presented. The model has adiabatic electrons and the complete gyrophase-averaged ion dynamics, including trapped particles. Results include the confirmation of the radially elongated ballooning mode structure predicted by linear theory, and the nonlinear saturation of these toroidal modes. The ensuing turbulent spectrum retains remnants of the linear mode structure, and has very similar features as recent experimental fluctuation measurements.