The steep edge gradients (of density and temperature) associated with an H-mode lead to quasi-periodic violent relaxation phenomena, known as Edge Localized Modes (ELMs), which have a strong impact on the surrounding vessel. [1] [2]

Physical mechanism

The physical mechanism of ELMs has not been fully clarified. Several possible explanations have been put forward:

I had no idea how to approach this before—now I’m locked and laoded.

References