Edge Localized Mode Control in DIII-D Using Magnetic Perturbation-Induced Pedestal Transport Changes
Edge localized mode (ELM) control is a critical issue for ITER because the impulsive power loading from ELMs is predicted to limit the divertor lifetime to only a few hundred full-length pulses. Consequently, a technique that replaces the ELM-induced transport with more continuous transport while preserving the H-mode pedestal height and core performance would significantly improve the viability of ITER. One approach is to use edge resonant magnetic perturbations (RMPs) to enhance pedestal transport enough to reduce the pedestal pressure gradient {del}p{sub ped} below the stability limit for Type I ELMs. In DIII-D, n = 3 RMPs have been used to eliminate Type I ELMs when the edge safety factor is in the resonant window q95 {approx} 3.5 without degrading confinement in H-modes with ITER-relevant pedestal collisionalities v*{sub e} {approx} 0.2. The RMP reduces {del}p{sub ped} as expected, with {del}p{sub ped} controlled by the RMP amplitude. Linear peeling-ballooning (P-B) stability analysis indicates that the ELMs are suppressed by reducing {del}p{sub ped} below the P-B stability limit. The {del}p{sub ped} reduction results primarily from an increase in particle transport, not electron thermal transport. This result is inconsistent with estimates based on quasi-linear stochastic diffusion theory based on the vacuum field (no screening of the RMP). The particle transport increase is accompanied by changes in toroidal rotation, radial electric field, and density fluctuation level {tilde n} in the pedestal, suggesting increased fluctuation-driven particle transport.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 902326
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-PROC-228959; TRN: US0702829
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Presented at: 21st IAEA Fusion Energy Conference, Chengdu, China, Oct 16 - Oct 21, 2006
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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