Poloidal distribution of recycling sources and core plasma fueling in DIII-D, ASDEX-Upgrade and JET L-mode plasmas

Deuterium fueling profiles across the separatrix have been calculated with the edge fluid codes UEDGE, SOLPS and EDGE2D/EIRENE for lower single null, ohmic and low-confinement plasmas in DIII-D, ASDEX Upgrade and JET. The fueling profiles generally peak near the divertor x-point, and broader profiles are predicted for the open divertor geometry and horizontal targets in DIII-D than for the more closed geometries and vertical targets in AUG and JET. Significant fueling from the low-field side midplane may also occur when assuming strong radial ion transport in the far scrape-off layer. The dependence of the fueling profiles on upstream density is investigated for all three devices, and between the different codes for a single device. The validity of the predictions is assessed for the DIII-D configuration by comparing the measured ion current to the main chamber walls at the low-field side and divertor targets, and deuterium emission profiles across the divertor legs, and the high-field and low-field side midplane regions to those calculated by UEDGE and SOLPS.