The ion current collected by a probe in a magnetized plasma is sensitive to
the angle between its surface and the flow streamlines. This intuitive con
cept is the basis of the Gundestrup probe, a polar array of planar collecto
rs mounted around an insulating housing. Probe theory for measuring flows h
as been developed on two fronts: Recent kinetic and fluid models, reviewed
here, give similar predictions for the collected current within the range o
f applicability of the model assumptions. A comparison with measurements by
a rotating Mach probe in the CASTOR tokamak (Czech Academy of Sciences Tor
us) [J. Stockel, J. Badalec, I. Duran , Plasma Phys. Controlled Fusion, 41,
577 (1999)] highlights the role of magnetization in ion collection at graz
ing angles of incidence between the probe surface and the magnetic field li
nes. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.