On the transition to drift turbulence in a magnetized plasma column
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Center for Energy Research, Fusion Energy Division, University of California, San Diego, California (United States)
Experimental results from a magnetized argon plasma column demonstrate a controlled transition to a turbulent state as the magnetic field (B) strength is increased. At lower B there is an onset of fluctuations in density and potential. These are shown to be due to drift waves that have been modified by flow shear. As B is increased the character of the fluctuations undergoes several changes. These changes include a general decrease of coherence, an increase in the phase lag (between density and potential), and a straightening of the observed dispersion relation. Concomitantly, the intensifying and broadening fluctuation spectra lead to significant cross-field radial particle transport. Other nonlinear dynamical activity is inferred during the transition, e.g., three-wave interactions, the formation of localized structures (that do not significantly contribute to the net particle transport), and energy transfer to the largest available scales.
- OSTI ID:
- 20722069
- Journal Information:
- Physics of Plasmas, Vol. 12, Issue 5; Other Information: DOI: 10.1063/1.1889443; (c) 2005 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1070-664X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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