SOL RF physics modelling in Europe, in support of ICRF experiments

Laurent Colas, Ling Feng Lu, Jonathan Jacquot, Wouter Tierens, Alena Křivská, Stéphane Heuraux, Eric Faudot, Patrick Tamain, Bruno Després, Dirk Van Eester, Kristel Crombé, Fabrice Louche, Julien Hillairet, Walid Helou, Marc Goniche

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

Abstract

A European project was undertaken to improve the available SOL ICRF physics simulation tools and confront them with measurements. This paper first reviews code upgrades within the project. Using the multi-physics finite element solver COMSOL, the SSWICH code couples RF full-wave propagation with DC plasma biasing over "antenna-scale" 2D (toroidal/radial) domains, via non-linear RF and DC sheath boundary conditions (SBCs) applied at shaped plasma-facing boundaries. For the different modules and associated SBCs, more elaborate basic research in RF-sheath physics, SOL turbulent transport and applied mathematics, generally over smaller spatial scales, guides code improvement. The available simulation tools were applied to interpret experimental observations on various tokamaks. We focus on robust qualitative results common to several devices: the spatial distribution of RF-induced DC bias; left-right asymmetries over strap power unbalance; parametric dependence and antenna electrical tuning; DC SOL biasing far from the antennas, and RF-induced density modifications. From these results we try to identify the relevant physical ingredients necessary to reproduce the measurements, e.g. accurate radiated field maps from 3D antenna codes, spatial proximity effects from wave evanescence in the near RF field, or DC current transport. Pending issues towards quantitative predictions are also outlined.

Original languageEnglish
Article number01001
JournalEPJ Web of Conferences
Volume157
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 23 Oct 2017
Event22nd Topical Conference on Radio-Frequency Power in Plasmas 2017 - Aix en Provence, France
Duration: 30 May 20172 Jun 2017

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