Nonlinear evolution of double tearing modes

The linear and nonlinear behaviors of the tearing mode is systematically studied for nonmonotonic q-profiles on the basis of the reduced magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) equations in cylindrical geometry, and some new features about the double tearing mode are revealed. The linear eigenmode scales as a resistive internal mode for a small distance between two rational surfaces with the same q-value, Deltar(s), and as the tearing one for large Deltar(s). New nonlinear phenomena appear in the tearing mode regime and for shorter Deltar(s). The linear eigenfunction shows sharply localized fluid motion at both resonant surfaces and small but global convective motion between the resonant surfaces; consequently the mode goes through a Rutherford-type regime. When the islands have grown enough, the mode shows explosive growth. This results from the nonlinear coupling among the higher harmonics, so that the inner and outer magnetic islands interact with each other leading to an internal disruption. (C) 2000 American Institute of Physics. [S1070-664X(00)04211-7].