Reduced model for H-mode sustainment in unfavorable ∇B drift configuration in ASDEX Upgrade

Abstract

A recently developed reduced model of H-mode sustainment based on interchange-drift-Alfvén turbulence description in the vicinity of the separatrix matching experimental observations in ASDEX Upgrade has been extended to experiments with the unfavorable ∇B drift. The combination with the theory of the magnetic-shear-induced Reynolds stress offers a possibility to quantitatively explain the phenomena. The extension of the Reynolds stress estimate in the reduced model via the magnetic shear contribution is able to reproduce the strong asymmetry in the access conditions depending on the ion ∇B drift orientation in agreement with experimental observations. The Reynolds stress profile asymmetry predicted by the magnetic shear model is further extended by comparison with GRILLIX and GENE-X simulations matched with comparable experiments in realistic X-point geometry. The predictions of the radial electric field well depth and its difference between the favorable and unfavorable configurations at the same heating power from the extended model also show consistency with experimental measurements.