Simulation of plasma edge with full-f gyrokinetics

Abstract

Understanding the plasma turbulence is of major importance for success of ITER, which is in turn the most important step in the development of fusion energy. ELMFIRE is a gyrokinetic plasma simulation code developed to study the dynamics of turbulence and its influence on plasma global behaviour. ELMFIRE can be used, and has already been used, to understand the physics underlying the formation and development of plasma turbulence and its undesirable effects on plasma confinement.

Of particular importance in the study of plasma confinement is the transition between L and H states, referring to Low and High confinement states. Understanding the way to induce an L-H transition on a plasma would lead to an immediate increase of plasma confinement applicable to different plasma devices. The DECI resources obtained for this year have supported the plasma analysis with calculations that showed first indications of the mentioned L-H transition. Enhanced heating model has been introduced in the code, as well as more detailed treatment of the plasma outermost layers. This calculations have been so far promising and are now proposed to be continued following the same line of developments as now.