A low-dimensional model system for quasi-periodic plasma perturbations

Larger scale plasma instabilities not leading to an immediate termination of a discharge often result in periodic nonlinear perturbations of the plasma. A minimal possible model is formulated for description of the system with drive and relaxation processes which have different time scales. The model is based on two equations: the first being responsible for the relaxation dynamics and the second for the drive. The model can be generalized to describe the pellet injection.