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arXiv · 1112.2977

Magnetic Phase transitions in Plasmas and Transport Barriers

Emilia R. Solano·Richard D. Hazeltine
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Abstract

A model of magnetic phase transitions in plasmas is presented: plasma blobs with pressure excess or defect are dia- or para-magnets and move radially under the influence of the background plasma magnetisation. It is found that magnetic phase separation could be the underlying mechanism of L to H transitions and drive transport barrier formation. Magnetic phase separation and associated pedestal build up, as described here, can be explained by the well known interchange mechanism, now reinterpreted as a magnetisation interchange which remains relevant even when stable or saturated. A testable necessary criterion for the L to H transition is presented.

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Emilia R. Solano, Richard D. Hazeltine. 2012-09-18. Magnetic Phase transitions in Plasmas and Transport Barriers. https://doi.org/10.1088/0029-5515%2F52%2F11%2F114017

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