Understanding of Edge Plasmas in Magnetic Fusion Energy Devices

Journal Article · Mon Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 2004 · Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion

OSTI ID:15020798

Rognlien, T

A limited overview is given of the theoretical understanding of edge plasmas in fusion devices. This plasma occupies the thin region between the hot core plasma and material walls in magnetically confinement configurations. The region is often formed by a change in magnetic topology from close magnetic field lines (i.e., the core region) and open field lines that contact material surfaces (i.e., the scrape-off layer [SOL]), with the most common example being magnetically diverted tokamaks. The physics of this region is determined by the interaction of plasma with neutral gas in the presence of plasma turbulence, with impurity radiation being an important component. Recent advances in modeling strong, intermittent micro-turbulent edge-plasma transport is given, and the closely coupled self-consistent evolution of the edge-plasma profiles in tokamaks. In addition, selected new results are given for the characterization of edge-plasmas behavior in the areas of edge-pedestal relaxation and SOL transport via Edge-Localize Modes (ELMs), impurity formation including dust, and magnetic field-line stochasticity in tokamaks.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 15020798
• Report Number(s): UCRL-JRNL-207633
• Journal Information: Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion, Journal Name: Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion Vol. 47
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
CONFINEMENT
MAGNETIC FIELDS
PHYSICS
PLASMA
RADIATIONS
RELAXATION
SIMULATION
SOLS
THERMONUCLEAR REACTORS
TOPOLOGY
TRANSPORT
TURBULENCE