Study of edge plasma properties comparing operation in hydrogen and helium in RFX

The properties of the edge plasma in the reversed field pinch RFX have been investigated by comparing the operation in helium with those normally performed in hydrogen. It has been found that a spontaneous velocity shear layer takes place in the edge region also in helium discharges. The edge structure of hydrogen and helium discharges have been interpreted using a momentum balance equation, which takes into account anomalous viscosity and friction with neutrals. The electrostatic turbulence properties are also compared: it is found that electrostatic turbulence drives most of the particle losses and a small fraction of the energy losses also for the He discharges. The modifications of the mean profiles, including the E x B velocity, during PPCD are briefly discussed and compared with the results obtained in hydrogen. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.