Theory of neoclassical resistivity-gradient-driven turbulence

Journal Article · Wed Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1989 · Physics of Fluids B: Plasma Physics; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.859030· OSTI ID:5350031

Kwon, O J ^[1]; Diamond, P H ^[2]; Hahm, T S ^[3]

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1. Institute for Fusion Studies, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712 (US)
2. Department of Physics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093 and General Atomics, San Diego, California 92138
3. Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08543

It is shown that rippling instabilities can tap the density gradient expansion free-energy source through the density dependence of the neoclassical resistivity. Linear analyses show that the region where neoclassical rippling modes are significantly excited extends from the edge of the plasma to the region where {nu}{sub *{ital e}} {le}1. Since these modes are nondispersive, diamagnetic effects are negligible in comparison to the nonlinear decorrelation rate at saturation. Thus the relevant regime is the strong turbulence'' regime. The turbulent radial diffusivities of the temperature and the density are obtained as eigenvalues of the renormalized eigenmode equations at steady state. The density gradient acts to enhance the level of turbulence, compared to that driven by the temperature gradient alone. The saturated turbulent state is characterized by current decoupling, the breakdown of Boltzmann relation, a radial mode scale of density fluctuations exceeding that of temperature fluctuations, implying that density diffusivity exceeds temperature diffusivity, and that density fluctuation levels exceed temperature fluctuation levels. Magnetic fluctuation levels are negligible.

• OSTI ID: 5350031
• Journal Information: Physics of Fluids B: Plasma Physics; (USA), Journal Name: Physics of Fluids B: Plasma Physics; (USA) Vol. 1:11; ISSN 0899-8221; ISSN PFBPE
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700107* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Instabilities
CLOSED PLASMA DEVICES
EIGENVALUES
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
END EFFECTS
ENERGY
FLUID MECHANICS
FREE ENERGY
HYDRODYNAMICS
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
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NONLINEAR PROBLEMS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
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PLASMA DENSITY
RENORMALIZATION
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THERMAL DIFFUSIVITY
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THERMONUCLEAR DEVICES
TOKAMAK DEVICES
TURBULENCE