In this letter, we present direct evidence of eddy breaking and tilting events observed at the edge of the TEXTOR tokamak using a 2D gas puff imaging diagnostic. The occurrence of eddy breaking depends on the magnitude of the Er × B flow shearing rate. The results confirm the theoretical predictions about the influence of Er × B sheared flows in tilting and splitting turbulence eddies, and consequently, reducing the turbulent transport.
Role of symmetry-breaking induced by Er × B shear flows on developing residual stresses and intrinsic rotation in the TEXTOR tokamak