Theory-based scaling laws of near and far scrape-off layer widths in single-null L-mode discharges

Theory-based scaling laws of the near and far scrape-off layer (SOL) widths are analytically derived for L-mode diverted tokamak discharges by using a two-fluid model. The near SOL pressure and density decay lengths are obtained by leveraging a balance among the power source, perpendicular turbulent transport across the separatrix, and parallel losses at the vessel wall, while the far SOL pressure and density decay lengths are derived by using a model of intermittent transport mediated by filaments. The analytical estimates of the pressure decay length in the near SOL is then compared to the results of three-dimensional, flux-driven, global, two-fluid turbulence simulations of L-mode diverted tokamak plasmas, and validated against experimental measurements taken from an experimental multi-machine database of divertor heat flux profiles, showing in both cases a very good agreement. Analogously, the theoretical scaling law for the pressure decay length in the far SOL is compared to simulation results and to experimental measurements in TCV L-mode discharges, pointing out the need of a large multi-machine database for the far SOL decay lengths

Plasma pressure and flows during divertor detachment

MHD theory applied to tokamak plasma scrape-off layer (SOL) equilibria requires Pfirsch-Schlueter current, which, because the magnetic lines are open, normally closes through electrically conducting divertor or limiter components. During detached divertor operation the Pfirsch-Schlueter current path to the divertor target is sometimes blocked, in which case theory predicts that the plasma develops a poloidal pressure gradient around the upstream SOL and a corresponding parallel flow, in order to satisfy all the conditions of MHD equilibrium. This paper reports the only known examples of detached diverted plasma in the DIII-D tokamak with blocked Pfirsch-Schlueter current, and they show no clear SOL poloidal pressure differences. However, the predicted pressure differences are small, near the limit of detectability with the available diagnostics. In the more usual DIII-D partially detached divertor operation mode, the Pfirsch-Schlueter current appears to never be blocked, and no unusual poloidal pressure differences are observed, as expected. Finally, a local overpressure is observed just inside the magnetic separatrix near the X-point in both attached and detached Ohmically heated plasmas

Radial Particle Flux in the SOL of DIII-D During ELMing H-Mode

The radial particle flux in the scrape-off-layer (SOL) during ELMing H-mode is examined in DIII-D as a function of density. The global radial particle flux in the outboard far SOL is determined by a window frame technique. Between ELMs the outboard far SOL particle flux increases strongly with density but remains similar to the particle flux across the separatrix as estimated by the pedestal density and temperature gradients. At low density the steep density gradient of the pedestal extends up to 2 cm outside the separatrix. At high density the density gradient flattens just outside the separatrix making this region critical for assessment of the far SOL particle flux. During ELMs the far SOL particle flux becomes localized to the outboard midplane and the assumptions for the window frame analysis break down. Implications for scaling of main chamber wall particle flux and pedestal fueling are explored

Transport by intermittency in the boundary of the DIII-D tokamak

A271 TRANSPORT BY INTERMITTENCY IN THE BOUNDARY OF THE DIII-D TOKAMAK. Intermittent plasma objectives (IPOs) featuring higher pressure than the surrounding plasma, are responsible for {approx} 50% of the E x B{sub T} radial transport in the scrape off layer (SOL) of the DIII-D tokamak in L- and H-mode discharges. Conditional averaging reveals that the IPOs are positively charged and feature internal poloidal electric fields of up to 4000 V/m. The IPOs move radially with E x B{sub T}/B{sup 2} velocities of {approx} 2600 m/s near the last closed flux surface (LCFS), and {approx} 330 m/s near the wall. The IPOs slow down as they shrink in radial size from 4 cm at the LCFS to 0.5 cm near the wall. The skewness (i.e. asymmetry of fluctuations from the average) of probe and beam emission spectroscopy (BES) data indicate IPO formation at or near the LCFS and the existence of positive and negative IPOs which move in opposite directions. The particle content of the IPOs at the LCFS is linearly dependent on the local density and decays over {approx} 3 cm into the SOL while their temperature decays much faster ({approx} 1 cm)