Modeling of advanced divertor configuration on experimental advanced superconducting tokamak by SOLPS5.0/B2.5-Eirene

Abstract

Heat exhaust is one of the most challenging issues to be addressed for tokamak magnetic confinement fusion research. Detailed modeling with SOLPS5.0/B2.5-Eirene code package is carried out to examine an alternative advanced divertor configuration, i.e., quasi snowflake (QSF), for long pulse operation in EAST. Comparison is also made with the lower single null (LSN) divertor configuration. SOLPS predicts that the quasi snowflake configuration significantly reduces the peak heat flux at the lower divertor outer target, by a factor of 2–3, owing to the magnetic flux expansion. Furthermore, the density threshold for detachment is much lower for QSF, compared to LSN under the same upstream conditions. This indicates that QSF provides a promising tool for controlling heat flux at divertor target while maintaining a lower separatrix density, which is highly desirable for current drive, thus greatly facilitating long-pulse operation in EAST.