Abstract
Linear and nonlinear stages in the development of the ion-temperature-gradient-driven drift-wave instability are studied analytically in the presence of shear flows, magnetic shear, inhomogeneity, and curvature. In the linear regime, it is shown that the toroidal ηi mode is destabilized by a small amount of impurities only if there exists an impurity buildup at the plasma edge. In the nonlinear regime two types of coherent structures are found: a generalized Hasegawa–Mima dipole vortex in the weak magnetic shear case, and a periodic, vortex-chain solution in the strong shear case, which corresponds to the saturated, large-amplitude drift-tearing mode.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
