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Title: Modelling the effect of divertor closure on detachment onset in DIII-D with the SOLPS code

Journal Article · · Contributions to Plasma Physics
ORCiD logo [1];  [2];  [3];  [3];  [3];  [4]
  1. Oak Ridge Associated Univ., Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
  2. Dalian Univ. of Technology, Dalian (China). School of Physics
  3. General Atomics, San Diego, CA (United States)
  4. Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)

SOLPS modelling has shown that divertor plasma detachment occurs at a lower upstream separatrix density in the more closed DIII‐D upper divertor than the open lower divertor, demonstrating the utility of the divertor closure in widening the range of acceptable densities for adequate heat handling. To achieve reduced heat flux and erosion at the plasma‐facing components, future devices will need to operate in at least partially detached divertor conditions . Two‐dimensional fluid plasma models coupled to Monte Carlo neutral transport simulations, such as SOLPS, have been widely used to predict the onset of detachment. In modelling the DIII‐D discharges, the cross‐field transport coefficients are constrained to reproduce the experimental upstream profiles. The closed divertor has been modelled with the same input parameters of the open divertor, allowing a direct comparison of the target conditions in both geometries. SOLPS simulations indicate that a higher molecular density correlates strongly with lower electron temperatures. The increased closure of the upper divertor improves the trapping of neutrals, thereby reducing the power density deposited at the target and facilitating detachment, in agreement with experimental observations.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC52-07NA27344; FC02‐04ER54698; DE‐FC02‐04ER54698; DE‐AC05‐06OR23100
OSTI ID:
1491633
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1434964
Report Number(s):
LLNL-JRNL-751782; 936705
Journal Information:
Contributions to Plasma Physics, Vol. 58, Issue 6-8; ISSN 0863-1042
Publisher:
WileyCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 20 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science

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Cited By (3)

First experimental tests of a new small angle slot divertor on DIII-D journal July 2019
Studying divertor relevant plasmas in the Pilot-PSI linear plasma device: experiments versus modelling journal November 2018
DIII-D research towards establishing the scientific basis for future fusion reactors journal June 2019

Figures / Tables (8)