Explore the density limit physics for peeling-limited pedestal
2025 Research Campaign, Thrust: High Opacity and Density Operation
Purpose of Experiment
Most of FPP designs assume high density operation with density close to or above the Greenwald limit. In addition, peeling-limited pedestal is naturally required to maximize fusion gain. Understand the density limit at peeling limited pedestal and related transport/MHD are critical for FPP design and operation. The main goal of this experiment is to understand the density limit physics at peeling-limited pedestal.
Experimental Approach
Specifically, we will assess whether there is a density limit for peeling-limited pedestal or not, investigate what kind of physics governing the density limit, i.e. MHD vs transport vs shear layer collapse, and study the physics difference between the ballooning type and peeling type pedestal density limit. We will also study the core and pedestal transport, particularly the interactions between ITB and pedestal in the high beta plasmas. This experiment will start from the high pedestal state high poloidal beta plasmas, and scan the plasma current, normalized beta and plasma shaping. Dedicated comparison between the pellet injection and gas puffing will be used to study the impact of fueling location on pedestal. Very importantly, we will take advantages of DIIID’s comprehensive pedestal and turbulence measurement to understand the density limit physics.
See more details, including project leads, at U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI).