Extended magneto-hydro-dynamic model for neoclassical tearing mode computations

A self-consistent fluid model for describing neoclassical tearing modes in global magneto-hydro-dynamic simulations is presented. It is illustrated by its application to a simple toroidal configuration unstable to the (2, 1) tearing mode. The island saturation is verified to increase with the bootstrap current fraction. New features that are specific to this model are evidenced, like the unsteady saturated state of the island, and its deformation to a droplet shape, when the magnetic Prandtl number is not too high. Synthetic diagnostics demonstrate that diamagnetic and neoclassical effects should have in this case a measurable impact on the signature of magnetic islands.