Thermal pinching in tokamaks

An analysis of the results of various difficult-to-explain experiments is presented, starting from the simple diffusive structure of the thermal flux, Q{sub e} {approximately} n{Chi}{sub e}{triangledown}T{sub e}. It is shown that the assumption that there is a thermal pinch permits at least a qualitative explanation of these experimental results to be given from a unified position. It is also shown that the assumption that a thermal pinch exists can fundamentally change many preconceptions about electron transport. 11 refs., 17 figs., 2 tabs.