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Submarginal profiles and turbulent transport: An exactly solvable model

Journal Article · · Physics of Plasmas
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.872496· OSTI ID:544566
 [1]
  1. Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton University, P. O. Box 451, Princeton, New Jersey 08543 (United States)
The possibility that linearly stable ({open_quotes}submarginal{close_quotes}) profiles can support turbulent transport in the absence of external noise is considered in the context of a one-dimensional, realizable stochastic model of {open_quotes}almost passive{close_quotes} advection that includes a stability threshold dependent on a critical gradient. The important limits of zero and infinite Kubo number (dimensionless autocorrelation time) are solved analytically. When the stability threshold is linear, it is proven rigorously that, within the context of the model, submarginal profiles do not carry any turbulent flux. A generalization to include a nonlinear stability threshold reminiscent of a subcritical bifurcation supports submarginal profiles. {copyright} {ital 1997 American Institute of Physics.}
Research Organization:
Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-76CH03073
OSTI ID:
544566
Journal Information:
Physics of Plasmas, Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 4; ISSN PHPAEN; ISSN 1070-664X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English