J. Lönnroth

Edge localized mode physics and operational aspects in tokamaks

Recent progress in experimental and theoretical studies of edge localized mode (ELM) physics is reviewed for the reactor relevant plasma regimes, namely the high confinement regimes, that is, H-modes and advanced scenarios.Theoretical approaches to ELM physics, from a linear ideal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) stability analysis to non-linear transport models with ELMs are discussed with respect to experimental observations, in particular the fast collapse of pedestal pressure profiles, magnetic measurements and scrape-off layer transport during ELMs.High confinement regimes with different types of ELMs are addressed in this paper in the context of development of operational scenarios for ITER. The key parameters that have been identified at present to reduce the energy losses in Type I ELMs are operation at high density, high edge magnetic shear and high triangularity. However, according to the present experimental scaling for the energy losses in Type I ELMs, the extrapolation of such regimes for ITER leads to unacceptably large heat loads on the divertor target plates exceeding the material limits. High confinement H-mode scenarios at high triangularity and high density with small ELMs (Type II), mixed regimes (Type II and Type I) and combined advanced regimes at high βp are discussed for present-day tokamaks. The optimum combination of high confinement and small MHD activity at the edge in Type II ELM scenarios is of interest to ITER. However, to date, these regimes have been achieved in a rather narrow operational window and far from ITER parameters in terms of collisionality, edge safety factor and βp.The compatibility of the alternative internal transport barrier (ITB) scenario with edge pedestal formation and ELMs is also addressed. Edge physics issues related to the possible combination of small benign ELMs (Type III, Type II ELMs, quiescent double barrier) and high performance ITBs are discussed for present-day experiments (JET, JT-60U, DIII-D) in terms of their relevance for ITER. Successful plasma edge control, at high triangularity (~0.5) and high density (~0.7nGR), in ITB scenarios in JET is reported.Active control of ELMs by edge current, pellet injection, impurities and external magnetic perturbations creating an ergodic zone localized at the separatrix are discussed for present-day experiments and from the perspective of future reactors.

Kinetic, two-fluid and MHD simulations of plasmas

The kinetic and extended magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulation methods are discussed in the context of their ability to simulate macroscopic plasma evolution on an MHD evolution time scale with microturbulence in toroidal magnetized plasmas. To properly model the evolution of neoclassical equilibrium, it is important to use full-f gyrokinetic calculation with sufficient accuracy for perpendicular viscosity. Similarly in MHD problems, a good accuracy in constructing the closures, in particular for the viscosity stress elements, is required. Although evidence of spontaneous reduction of transport with the consequent rapid steepening of the pressure gradient is found in simulations with full-f 5D gyrokinetic and 3D Braginskii fluid equations, no simulation of the transport barrier formation in agreement with experimental observations has yet been presented. For a comprehensive description of edge plasma dynamics, including L–H transition, pedestal formation, and ELM oscillation problems, full-f 5D gyrokinetic simulation is a necessity, at least in hybrid with 3D MHD. With present-day computers, the global transport time scale can be reached with full-f gyrokinetic simulations in small tokamaks (ρ* ≤ 50–100), while fluid simulation has to be used for MHD evolution time scale in medium-sized tokamaks.