Gyrokinetic Electromagnetic Particle Simulations in Triangular Meshes with C1 Finite Elements

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel gyrokinetic electromagnetic particle simulation method using C1 finite element triangular meshes, enabling detailed plasma studies with validation against benchmarks and experimental parameters.

Contribution

It develops a C1 finite element-based gyrokinetic scheme with a mixed variable/pullback approach, advancing simulation capabilities on unstructured triangular meshes.

Findings

Validated against ITPA-TAE benchmarks

Effective in moderate to small electron skin depth regimes

Applicable to realistic plasma conditions

Abstract

The triangular mesh-based gyrokinetic scheme enables comprehensive axis-to-edge studies across the entire plasma volume. Our approach employs triangular finite elements with first-derivative continuity (C1), building on previous work to facilitate gyrokinetic simulations. Additionally, we have adopted the mixed variable/pullback scheme for gyrokinetic electromagnetic particle simulations. The filter-free treatment in the poloidal cross-section with triangular meshes introduces unique features and challenges compared to previous treatments using structured meshes. Our implementation has been validated through benchmarks using ITPA-TAE (Toroidicity-induced Alfv\'en Eigenmode) parameters, showing its capability in moderate to small electron skin depth regimes. Additional examinations using experimental parameters confirm its applicability to realistic plasma conditions.