On the electrostatic potential in the scrape-off layer of magnetic confinement devices

The mechanism regulating the equilibrium electrostatic potential in the scrape-off layer (SOL) of magnetic confinement devices is elucidated. Based on a generalized Ohm's law and the boundary conditions at the magnetic presheath entrance, an analytical expression for the equilibrium electrostat...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Plasma physics and controlled fusion 2013-12, Vol.55 (12), p.124019-6
Main Authors: Loizu, J, Ricci, P, Halpern, F D, Jolliet, S, Mosetto, A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Confinement
Density
Devices
Electrostatics
Fluid dynamics
Fluid flow
Turbulence
Turbulent flow
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Summary:The mechanism regulating the equilibrium electrostatic potential in the scrape-off layer (SOL) of magnetic confinement devices is elucidated. Based on a generalized Ohm's law and the boundary conditions at the magnetic presheath entrance, an analytical expression for the equilibrium electrostatic potential is derived. Results imply that the relative importance of the plasma dynamics at the sheath and far away from the wall in setting the value of the electrostatic potential depends on the density and temperature drops that are established between the two regions. Global, three-dimensional fluid simulations of tokamak SOL turbulence in a simple configuration are performed, confirming the validity of our predictions. The results presented here are general and can be applied to other open-field-line configurations, including linear devices and simple magnetized toroidal devices.
ISSN:0741-3335
1361-6587
DOI:10.1088/0741-3335/55/12/124019