English

The Problem of Marginality in Model Reductions of Turbulence

Plasma Physics 2023-04-12 v1

Abstract

Reduced quasilinear (QL) and nonlinear (gradient-driven) models with scale separations, commonly used to interpret experiments and to forecast turbulent transport levels in magnetised plasmas are tested against nonlinear models without scale separations (flux-driven). Two distinct regimes of turbulence -- either far above threshold or near marginal stability -- are investigated with Boltzmann electrons. The success of reduced models especially hinges on the reproduction of nonlinear fluxes. Good agreement between models is found above threshold whilst reduced models would significantly underpredict fluxes near marginality, overlooking mesoscale flow organisation and turbulence self-advection. Constructive prescriptions whereby to improve reduced models is discussed.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2209.04064,
  title  = {The Problem of Marginality in Model Reductions of Turbulence},
  author = {C. Gillot and G. Dif-Pradalier and Y. Sarazin and C. Bourdelle and Y. Camenen and J. Citrin and X. Garbet and Ph. Ghendrih and V. Grandgirard and P. Manas and F. Widmer},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2209.04064},
  year   = {2023}
}