A finite element procedure for radio-frequency sheath–plasma interactions in the ion cyclotron range of frequencies

A numerical code that solves self-consistent radio-frequency (RF) sheath–plasma interactions in the ion cyclotron range of frequencies is developed based on a nonlinear finite element technique. The present code solves for plasma waves based on the cold plasma model subject to a sheath boundary condition. The finite element procedure has been implemented for one- and two-dimensional analyses using simplified models for the poloidal plane of a tokamak. The results show good accuracy and generalize previous analytical calculations. The present algorithmic approach shows promise for developing a code to predict RF sheath potentials in the scrape-off layer of RF-heated fusion experiments.