Investigation of key factors for ITB formation and maintenance in EAST high βN discharges

Abstract

Long-pulse high βN operation scenario with internal transport barrier (ITB) and central flat q profile has been achieved on EAST. Analysis shows that higher heating power is needed to obtain ITBs in higher density discharges. Analysis of EAST high βN experiments shows that fishbone activities are accompanied with formation ITB and high performance. Experimental and simulation analysis demonstrates that the increasing E x B shear flow by the neutral beam injection (NBI) is important for the formation of ion temperature ITB (Ti-ITB). And, Ti-ITB disappears with the reduction of plasma rotation. While ITBs in channels of electron density (ne) and temperature (Te) are not achieved until fishbone activities are observed, which means that E x B shear flow mainly affects the formation of Ti-ITB in EAST high βN experiments. Experimental analysis shows that the fishbone is accompanied by the increasing E x B shear flow, leading to the formation of Ti-ITBs. A possible explanation for the formation of ITBs in all channels is that fishbone activities in high βN discharges with central flat q-profiles (closed to unity) induce the feedback process of the formation of ITBs, and leading to the increase of E x B shear flow as well as the formation and sustainment of ITBs.