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In a publication within the 'Nuclear Materials and Energy' journal, Florian Effenberg et al. delves into the effects of the three-dimensional island geometry on divertor heat flux in Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) high-performance divertor configurations. The paper underscores the significance of the 3D complex island divertor geometry in influencing the heat flux distributions in the W7-X stellarator.
This comprehensive study unveils key findings from the first operational phase of the W7-X island divertor. With a focus on optimizing performance through magnetic configurations, the paper highlights the substantial influence of the three-dimensional island divertor geometry on heat flux distribution. It emphasizes the role of the high mirror configuration in achieving a balanced heat load across the divertor's targets, marking a leap forward in operational safety and stability for fusion reactors.
The research leverages the EMC3-EIRENE computational code for transport calculations, establishing the dependence of heat flux distributions on the complex three-dimensional configuration of the divertor. These theoretical calculations are corroborated by infrared (IR) camera measurements, affirming the improvements in the heat load distribution observed in the high mirror configurations as compared to the standard configuration.
Addressing the intricacies of local heat flux, the study acknowledges disparities of up to five centimeters in the positioning of heat load profiles, alongside variations in peak heat flux. These differences present a challenge for achieving agreement between experimental data and the predictive three-dimensional models.
The exploration extends to the three-dimensional equilibrium scenarios of high-performance operations using the HINT code, disclosing that despite heightened stochastic behavior in plasma equilibrium, the structural integrity of the island divertor is maintained. However, modifications in the dimensions of the magnetic islands and transport paths are shown to have a profound effect on the pattern of divertor heat fluxes.
This research significantly contributes to the development of power exhaust management strategies for the complex geometry of stellarator divertors. The insights provided by this study are pivotal for advancing the W7-X stellarator's high-performance operations, with broader implications for the design and enhancement of plasma-material interaction controls in 3D island divertor geometries.
Florian Effenberg et al., "Investigation of 3D effects on heat fluxes in performance-optimized island divertor configurations at Wendelstein 7-X" Nuclear Materials and Energy, Volume 18, January 2019, Pages 262-267, DOI 10.1016/j.nme.2019.01.006
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