Dynamical Alignment in Three Species Tokamak Edge Turbulence

Abstract

Three dimensional computations of self consistent three species gyrofluid turbulence are carried out for tokamak edge conditions. Profiles as well as disturbances in dependent variables are followed, running the dynamical system to transport equilibrium. The third species density shows a significant correlation with that of the electrons, regardless of initial conditions and drive mechanisms. For decaying systems the densities evolve toward each other. Companion tests with a simple two dimensional drift wave model show this persists even if the third species is a passively advected test field. Similarity in the transport character of electrons and the trace species does not imply that the electrons themselves have a test particle transport character.Comment: RevTeX 4, 21 pages, 15 figures, submitted to Physics of Plasma