The effect of the radial electric field on the L–H transitions in tokamaks

It is well known that usual assumptions of neoclassical theory become invalid if very large gradients occur at the plasma edge. Therefore neoclassical theory of plasma rotation in tokamaks is revisited in order to account for anomalous transport driven by a turbulence. It is shown that this model yields both steep and gradual profiles for the poloidal rotation velocity at the edge corresponding to the H and L regimes of confinement, respectively. Results and conclusions are focused on experiments employing the biased electrode technique. Regimes with fast poloidal rotation in excess of poloidal sound speed are considered with the emphasis on relaxation.

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