arXiv subjects

Ruirui Ma

Publications and source records attributed to Ruirui Ma.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

On the Gap Between H2 Optimal Control and Disturbance Decoupling

We study the relationship between disturbance decoupling (DD) and H2 optimal control for linear time-invariant (LTI) systems, revealing a fundamental gap between DD subspace constraints and semi-definite program (SDP)-based H2 minimization. We show that DD is equivalent to the existence of zero H2 gain without requiring internal stability, whereas SDP-based H2 minimization strictly optimizes over stabilizing controllers and therefore fails to recover DD controllers when the closed-loop dynamics may be marginally stable. Moreover, we show that the trace representation of H2 norms further biases solutions away from complete DD. Motivated by this, we formulate a bilinear matrix inequality (BMI)-constrained optimization program that directly enforces the DD subspace condition to compute DD controllers. We propose a difference-of-convex (DC) iterative algorithm that preserves DD and stability at every iteration, and establish its convergence to Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) points under standard constraint qualification conditions. Numerical experiments on a four bus power network demonstrate that the proposed algorithm achieves significantly better disturbance rejection while enabling optimization of additional performance metrics. The resulting framework establishes a computationally tractable link between geometric DD theory and optimization-based controller design.

math.OC↗

arXiv2026

Discovery of Density Limit Disruption Induced by Core-localized Alfv${\'e}$nic Ion Temperature Gradient Instabilities in a Tokamak Plasma

To achieve a high energy gain, the fusion reactor plasma must reach a very high density. However, the tokamak plasmas ofen undergo disruption when the density exceeds the Greenwald density. The density limit disruption in tokamak plasmas is a mysterious barrier to magnetic confinement nuclear fusion, and hitherto, is still an unresolved issue. Over the past several years, the high density experiments with Greenwald density ratio $n_e/n_{eG}\sim1$ has been carried out using the conventional gas-puff fuelling method in HL-2A NBI and Ohmically heated plasmas. It is found for the first time that there are multiple-branch MHD instabilities in the core plasmas while $n_e/n_{eG}>0.85$. The simulation analysis suggests that the core-localized magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) activities belong to Alfv${\'e}$nic ion temperature gradient (AITG) modes, and on experiment firstly, it is discovered that they trigger the minor or major disruption of bulk plasmas while the density is peaked. These new findings are of great importance to figure out and understand the origin of density limit disruptions, as well as to forecast and avoid them for future fusion rectors.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2025

On How Zonal Fields Suppress Reversed Shear Alfv\'en Eigenmode in Tokamak Plasmas

Employing both nonlinear gyrokinetic simulations and theoretical analyses, we have discovered the novel result that, with energetic particle dynamics kept linear, the nonlinear suppression and eventual saturation of reversed-shear Alfv\'en eigenmode occur via the downward frequency chirping induced by the beat-driven zonal current. More specifically, as the mode frequency chirps downward, there is enhanced mode conversion to radially propagating electron Landau-damped kinetic Alfv\'en waves; resulting in enhanced convective (radiative) damping and, thereby, its suppression and saturation. Theoretical results are in good agreement with simulations both qualitatively and quantitatively.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2024

Effects of plasma nonuniformity on zero frequency zonal structure generation by drift Alfven wave instabilities in toroidal plasmas

Effects of plasma nonuniformity on zero frequency zonal structure (ZFZS) excitation by drift Alfven wave (DAW) instabilities in toroidal plasmas are investigated using nonlinear gyrokinetic theory. The governing equations describing nonlinear interactions among ZFZS and DAWs are derived, with the contribution of DAWs self-beating and radial modulation accounted for on the same footing. The obtained equations are then used to derive the nonlinear dispersion relation, which is then applied to investigate ZFZS generation in several scenarios. In particular, it is found that, the condition for zonal flow excitation by kinetic ballooning mode (KBM) could be sensitive to plasma parameters, and more detailed investigation is needed to understand KBM nonlinear saturation, crucial for bulk plasma transport in future reactors.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2023

Low-frequency shear Alfv\'en waves at DIII-D: theoretical interpretation of experimental observations

The linear properties of the low-frequency shear Alfv\'en waves such as those associated with the beta-induced Alfv\'en eigenmodes (BAEs) and the low-frequency modes observed in reversed-magnetic-shear DIII-D discharges (W. Heidbrink, et al 2021 Nucl. Fusion 61 066031) are theoretically investigated and delineated based on the theoretical framework of the general fishbone-like dispersion relation (GFLDR). By adopting representative experimental equilibrium profiles, it is found that the low-frequency modes and BAEs are, respectively, the reactive-type and dissipative-type unstable modes with dominant Alfv\'enic polarization, thus the former being more precisely called low-frequency Alfv\'en modes (LFAMs). More specifically, due to different instability mechanisms, the maximal drive of BAEs occurs, in comparison to LFAMs, when the minimum of the safety factor ($q_{min}$) deviates from a rational number. Meanwhile, the BAE eigenfunction peaks at the radial position of the maximum energetic particle pressure gradient, resulting in a large deviation from the $q_{min}$ surface. Moreover, the ascending frequency spectrum patterns of the experimentally observed BAEs and LFAMs can be theoretically reproduced by varying $q_{min}$ and also be well interpreted based on the GFLDR. The present analysis illustrates the solid predictive capability of the GFLDR and its practical usefulness in enhancing the interpretative capability of both experimental and numerical simulation results.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2020

Zero frequency zonal flow excitation by energetic electron driven beta-induced Alfven eigenmode

Zero frequency zonal flow (ZFZF) excitation by trapped energetic electron driven beta-induced Alfven eigenmode (eBAE) is investigated using nonlinear gyrokinetic theory. It is found that, during the linear growth stage of eBAE, resonant energetic electrons (EEs) not only effectively drive eBAE unstable, but also contribute to the nonlinear coupling, leading to ZFZF excitation. The trapped EE contribution to ZFZF generation is dominated by EE responses to eBAE in the ideal region, and is comparable to thermal plasma contribution to Reynolds and Maxwell stresses.

physics.plasm-ph↗