Analytical theory of the probability distribution function of structure formation

Journal Article · Fri Aug 15 04:00:00 EDT 2008 · Physics of Plasmas

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.2973177· OSTI ID:21120509

Anderson, Johan; Kim, Eun-jin ^[1]

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1. University of Sheffield, Department of Applied Mathematics, Hicks Building, Hounsfield Road, Sheffield S3 7RH (United Kingdom)

The probability distribution function (PDF) tails of the zonal flow structure formation and the PDF tails of momentum flux are computed by incorporating the effect of a shear flow in ion-temperature-gradient (ITG) turbulence. The bipolar vortex soliton (modon) is assumed to be the coherent structure responsible for bursty and intermittent events driving the PDF tails. It is found that stronger zonal flows are generated in ITG turbulence than Hasegawa-Mima turbulence, as well as further from marginal stability. This suggests that although ITG turbulence has a higher level of heat flux, it also more likely generates stronger zonal flows, leading to a self-regulating system. It is also shown that shear flows can significantly reduce the PDF tails of Reynolds stress and structure formation.

• OSTI ID: 21120509
• Journal Information: Physics of Plasmas, Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas Journal Issue: 8 Vol. 15; ISSN PHPAEN; ISSN 1070-664X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
DISTRIBUTION FUNCTIONS
ELECTRON TEMPERATURE
HEAT FLUX
ION TEMPERATURE
PLASMA
PLASMA INSTABILITY
PROBABILITY
REYNOLDS NUMBER
SOLITONS
STABILITY
STRESSES
TEMPERATURE GRADIENTS
TOKAMAK DEVICES
TURBULENCE
VORTICES