Continuum kinetic modelling of cross‐separatrix plasma transport in a tokamak edge including self‐consistent electric fields

Abstract

Eulerian kinetic calculations are presented for the axisymmetric cross‐separatrix plasma transport at the edge of a tokamak. The simulations are performed with a high‐order finite volume code COGENT, which solves the long‐wavelength limit of the full‐f ion gyrokinetic equation including the non‐linear Fokker–Plank collision model. Self‐consistent 2D electrostatic potential variations are obtained from the quasi‐neutrality (∇·j = 0) equation coupled to an isothermal fluid electron response. Illustrative solutions presented for parameters characteristic of the DIII‐D tokamak show qualitative agreement with experimental data.