Localized turbulence suppression and increased flow shear near the q=2 surface during internal-transport-barrier formation

M. W. Shafer, G. R. McKee, M. E. Austin, K. H. Burrell, R. J. Fonck, D. J. Schlossberg

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

Broadband turbulent fluctuations in the plasma density are transiently suppressed when low-order rational q surfaces first appear in negative central magnetic shear plasmas on the DIII-D tokamak, which can lead to the formation of internal transport barriers. Increased localized flow shear is simultaneously observed. It transiently exceeds the measured turbulence decorrelation rate, providing a mechanism to trigger the formation of the transport barrier. This increased flow shear and turbulence suppression propagates radially outward, following the q=2 surface.

Original languageEnglish
Article number075004
JournalPhysical Review Letters
Volume103
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 14 2009
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Localized turbulence suppression and increased flow shear near the q=2 surface during internal-transport-barrier formation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this