A novel code for the simulation of plasma equilibrium and evolution implemented in ANSYS

Abstract

The simulation of the plasma equilibrium and its evolution is important for the study of plasma physics and for the correct design of fusion devices. For this purpose, a novel code, based on the solution of the Grad-Shafranov equation, has been fully implemented in ANSYS. It exploits the finite element method using the magnetic potential vector formulation. In this approach plasma pressure and current density profiles are described by means of two main parameters: the internal plasma inductance li and the poloidal beta βp. Several ITER equilibria of limiter and diverted plasma configurations have been reproduced and benchmarked with validated codes (e.g. DINA). Being fully implemented in ANSYS this code will easily allow the coupling of the 2D axisymmetric plasma equilibrium equations, describing the plasma behavior, with the full 3D eddy currents equations, describing the surrounding three-dimensional structures. Moreover it will also allow the coupling with the ANSYS mechanical module to perform self-consistent coupled electro-mechanical analyses.