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U.S. Department of Energy
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Physics of the H-mode

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6713275
A theoretical picture of the H-mode is proposed, which explains some of the most important features of this good confinement mode in neutral beam heated plasmas with divertors. From a consideration of the transport through the separatrix and along the open field lines outside the separatrix, as well as the stability of the plasma inside the separatrix, we show that a bifurcation in the operating parameters is possible. At high edge temperatures, very large particle confinement times are possible because of the Ware pinch. The transport of particles and heat along the open field lines to the divertor region depends on temperature in a non-monotonic way, and the bifurcation of the thermal equilibrium which is implied may correspond to the L- to H-mode transition. The improvement of the interior confinement in the H-mode, when the edge temperature is higher, is shown to follow from the tearing mode stability properties of current profiles with pedestals.
Research Organization:
Maryland Univ., College Park (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AT03-84ER53158
OSTI ID:
6713275
Report Number(s):
GA-A-17645; CONF-840910-2; ON: DE84014883
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English