Nonlinear dynamics of kink-tearing modes and their interaction with the current profiles in a reversed-field pinch

Abstract

New insight in the nonlinear and quasilinear dynamics of kink-tearing modes in reversed-field pinches (RFP’s) is obtained by simultaneous measurements of the evolution of current profiles and associated m=1 helical mode spectra in the Extrap T1 RFP [Nucl. Fusion 34, 427 (1994)]. Results concerning near single helicity states, m=0 mediated m=1 spectral broadening and cascade, together with the associated relaxation dynamics, are reported. The role of phase locking, between the nonlinearly interacting modes, in the pinch dynamics is also discussed.