Momentum transport from nonlinear mode coupling of magnetic fluctuations
A cause of observed anomalous plasma momentum transport in a reversed-field pinch is determined experimentally. Magnetohydrodynamic theory predicts that nonlinear interactions involving triplets of tearing modes produce internal torques that redistribute momentum. Evidence for the nonlinear torque is acquired by detecting the correlation of momentum redistribution with the mode triplets, with the elimination of one of the modes in the triplet, and with the external driving of one of the modes.
Hansen
AK
University of Wisconsin Department of Physics,1150 University Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA.
Almagri
AF
Craig
D
Den Hartog DJ
Hegna
CC
Prager
SC
Sarff
JS