Validity of models for Dreicer generation of runaway electrons in dynamic scenarios

Runaway electron modelling efforts are motivated by the risk these energetic particles pose to large fusion devices. The sophisticated kinetic models can capture most features of the runaway electron generation but have high computational costs which can be avoided by using computationally cheaper reduced kinetic codes. In this paper, we compare the reduced kinetic and kinetic models to determine when the former solvers, based on analytical calculations assuming quasi-stationarity, can be used. The Dreicer generation rate is calculated by two different solvers in parallel in a workflow developed in the European Integrated Modelling framework, and this is complemented by calculations of a third code that is not yet integrated into the framework. Runaway Fluid, a reduced kinetic code, NORSE, a kinetic code using non-linear collision operator, and DREAM, a linearized Fokker-Planck solver, are used to investigate the effect of a dynamic change in the electric field for different plasma scenarios spanning across the whole tokamak-relevant range. We find that on time scales shorter than or comparable to the electron collision time at the critical velocity for runaway electron generation kinetic effects not captured by reduced kinetic models play an important role. This characteristic time scale is easy to calculate and can reliably be used to determine whether there is a need for kinetic modelling, or cheaper reduced kinetic codes are expected to deliver sufficiently accurate results. This criterion can be automated, and thus it can be of great benefit for the comprehensive self-consistent modelling frameworks that are attempting to simulate complex events such as tokamak start-up or disruptions

The European Integrated Tokamak Modelling Effort:Achievements and First Physics Results

This article compares both new and commonly used boundary conditions for generating pressure-driven water flows through carbon nanotubes in molecular dynamics simulations. Three systems are considered: (1) a finite carbon nanotube membrane with streamwise periodicity and ‘gravity’-type Gaussian forcing, (2) a non-periodic finite carbon nanotube membrane with reservoir pressure control, and (3) an infinite carbon nanotube with periodicity and ‘gravity’-type uniform forcing. Comparison between these focuses on the flow behaviour, in particular the mass flow rate and pressure gradient along the carbon nanotube, as well as the radial distribution of water density inside the carbon nanotube. Similar flow behaviour is observed in both membrane systems, with the level of user input required for such simulations found to be largely dependent on the state controllers selected for use in the reservoirs. While System 1 is simple to implement in common molecular dynamics codes, System 2 is more complicated, and the selection of control parameters is less straightforward. A large pressure difference is required between the water reservoirs in these systems to compensate for large pressure losses sustained at the entrance and exit of the nanotube. Despite a simple set-up and a dramatic increase in computational efficiency, the infinite length carbon nanotube in System 3 does not account for these significant inlet and outlet effects, meaning that a much smaller pressure gradient is required to achieve a specified mass flow rate. The infinite tube set-up also restricts natural flow development along the carbon nanotube due to the explicit control of the fluid. Observation of radial density profiles suggests that this results in over-constraint of the water molecules in the tube

Modelling of the effect of ELMs on fuel retention at the bulk W divertor of JET

Effect of ELMs on fuel retention at the bulk W target of JET ITER-Like Wall was studied with multi-scale calculations. Plasma input parameters were taken from ELMy H-mode plasma experiment. The energetic intra-ELM fuel particles get implanted and create near-surface defects up to depths of few tens of nm, which act as the main fuel trapping sites during ELMs. Clustering of implantation-induced vacancies were found to take place. The incoming flux of inter-ELM plasma particles increases the different filling levels of trapped fuel in defects. The temperature increase of the W target during the pulse increases the fuel detrapping rate. The inter-ELM fuel particle flux refills the partially emptied trapping sites and fills new sites. This leads to a competing effect on the retention and release rates of the implanted particles. At high temperatures the main retention appeared in larger vacancy clusters due to increased clustering rate

Tritium distributions on W-coated divertor tiles used in the third JET ITER-like wall campaign

Tritium (T) distributions on tungsten (W)-coated plasma-facing tiles used in the third ITER-like wall campaign (2015–2016) of the Joint European Torus (JET) were examined by means of an imaging plate technique and β-ray induced x-ray spectrometry, and they were compared with the distributions after the second (2013–2014) campaign. Strong enrichment of T in beryllium (Be) deposition layers was observed after the second campaign. In contrast, T distributions after the third campaign was more uniform though Be deposition layers were visually recognized. The one of the possible explanations is enhanced desorption of T from Be deposition layers due to higher tile temperatures caused by higher energy input in the third campaign

Modelling of the effect of ELMs on fuel retention at the bulk W divertor of JET

Effect of ELMs on fuel retention at the bulk W target of JET ITER-Like Wall was studied with multi-scale calculations. Plasma input parameters were taken from ELMy H-mode plasma experiment. The energetic intra-ELM fuel particles get implanted and create near-surface defects up to depths of few tens of nm, which act as the main fuel trapping sites during ELMs. Clustering of implantation-induced vacancies were found to take place. The incoming flux of inter-ELM plasma particles increases the different filling levels of trapped fuel in defects. The temperature increase of the W target during the pulse increases the fuel detrapping rate. The inter-ELM fuel particle flux refills the partially emptied trapping sites and fills new sites. This leads to a competing effect on the retention and release rates of the implanted particles. At high temperatures the main retention appeared in larger vacancy clusters due to increased clustering rate