A predictive model for the tokamak density limit

Teng, Q.; Brennan, D. P.; Delgado-Aparicio, L.; Gates, D. A.; Swerdlow, J.; White, R. B.

doi:10.1088/0029-5515/56/10/106001

Title: A predictive model for the tokamak density limit

Journal Article · Thu Jul 28 00:00:00 EDT 2016 · Nuclear Fusion

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1088/0029-5515/56/10/106001· OSTI ID:1335462

^[1]; Brennan, D. P. ^[1];

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^[1]; Swerdlow, J. ^[1];

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Princeton Plasma Physics Lab. (PPPL), Princeton, NJ (United States)

We reproduce the Greenwald density limit, in all tokamak experiments by using a phenomenologically correct model with parameters in the range of experiments. A simple model of equilibrium evolution and local power balance inside the island has been implemented to calculate the radiation-driven thermo-resistive tearing mode growth and explain the density limit. Strong destabilization of the tearing mode due to an imbalance of local Ohmic heating and radiative cooling in the island predicts the density limit within a few percent. Furthermore, we found the density limit and it is a local edge limit and weakly dependent on impurity densities. Our results are robust to a substantial variation in model parameters within the range of experiments.

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Research Organization:: Princeton Plasma Physics Lab. (PPPL), Princeton, NJ (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE

Grant/Contract Number:: AC02-09CH11466; SC0004125

OSTI ID:: 1335462

Alternate ID(s):: OSTI ID: 1275971

Journal Information:: Nuclear Fusion, Vol. 56, Issue 10; ISSN 0029-5515

Publisher:: IOP ScienceCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

Citation Metrics:

Cited by: 13 works

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References (29)

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tearing mode
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