Abstract
A self-consistent model of the L to H transition is derived from coupled nonlinear envelope equations for the fluctuation level and radial electric field shear . These equations exhibit a supercritical bifurcation between dual L-mode and H-mode fixed points. The transition occurs when the turbulence level is large enough for the Reynolds stress drive to overcome the damping of the E×B flow. This defines a power threshold for the transition, which is calculated and found to be consistent with experimental findings.
- Received 23 July 1993
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.72.2565
©1994 American Physical Society