1. Physical Mechanism behind Zonal-Flow Generation in Drift-Wave Turbulence
- Author
-
Ulrich Stroth, P. Manz, and M. Ramisch
- Subjects
Physics ,Turbulence ,K-epsilon turbulence model ,Wave turbulence ,General Physics and Astronomy ,Zonal flow (plasma) ,K-omega turbulence model ,Mechanics ,Physics::Fluid Dynamics ,Classical mechanics ,Eddy ,Physics::Plasma Physics ,Physics::Space Physics ,Turbulence kinetic energy ,Wavenumber ,Physics::Atmospheric and Oceanic Physics - Abstract
The energetic interaction between drift-wave turbulence and zonal flows is studied experimentally in two-dimensional wave number space. The kinetic energy is found to be transferred nonlocally from the drift waves to the zonal flow. This confirms the theoretical prediction that the parametric-modulational instability is the driving mechanism of zonal flows. The physical mechanism of this nonlocal energetic interaction between and zonal flows and turbulent drift-wave eddies in relation to the suppression of turbulent transport is discussed.
- Published
- 2009