Effect on the divertor and scrape-off layer plasma properties of the distribution of power and particle influxes from the core

Abstract

Calculations of the profiles along the field lines within the divertor and scrape-off layer (SOL) of differences in the plasma ion density, temperature, parallel current, parallel flow velocity, and electrostatic potential, which result from using different poloidal distributions of the particle and heat influxes crossing the separatrix from the core plasma into the SOL, are presented and discussed vis-à-vis experimental observations. The calculations show that the stronger outboard than inboard particle and heat fluxes into the SOL caused by the geometric compression/expansion of flux surfaces predicted by magnetohydrodynamic equilibrium calculations lead to a prediction of higher plasma temperature at the outboard divertor than at the inboard divertor, a result that is consistent with experimental observation and that confirms a previous prediction (made without accounting for drifts) of a possible cause of the observed in-out divertor power asymmetry. The calculations also illustrate the effect of the poloidal distribution of particle and power influx into the SOL on the flow velocity, parallel current, and electrostatic potential distributions in the SOL and divertor.