Monte Carlo study of heat conductivity in stochastic boundaries: Application to the TEXTOR ergodic divertor

Abstract

The heat balance equation is derived and solved for fusion edge plasma conditions with (partially developed) ergodic magnetic-field structures. For this purpose, a three-dimensional (3D) Monte Carlo code, “E3D,” based upon the “multiple local magnetic coordinate system approach” has been developed. Parameters typical for the Dynamic Ergodic Divertor (DED) of TEXTOR-94 (Torus Experiment for the Technology Oriented Research) [K. H. Finken et al., Fusion Eng. Des. 37, 1 (1997)] are chosen in the applications. The plasma temperature fields and the profiles of the radial component of heat flux due to the classical parallel and anomalous perpendicular diffusion are calculated. Because of magnetic-field ergodization and diversion of field lines, parallel conduction also can contribute to this radial flux. The results are compared with theoretical predictions for two limiting cases: With the Rechester–Rosenbluth model of ergodization-induced transport and with a “laminar flow model” proposed in the present paper. This latter model describes the effects of field line diversion. The diversion effect is shown to be dominant for TEXTOR-DED conditions.