Study of MHD Stability in a Rotating Tokamak Plasma

This thesis summarizes selected research topics related to achieving a positive energy balance from fusion reactions in tokamak-type devices. In addition to providing a basic introduction to the subject, it discusses aspects related to plasma rotation in tokamaks in detail. Particular focus is given to the impact of electron and ion fluid rotation on the dynamics of a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) instability that leads to the formation of magnetic islands, which threatens the overall stability of the equilibrium plasma con- figuration in a tokamak. The final chapter presents the author's unique analysis of the conditions for the onset of non-rotating magnetic islands during a non-stationary phase of a tokamak discharge. Using novel methods developed in this study, the author proposes a thorough explanation for the occurrence of these islands, which was originally difficult to interpret. 1