2024/07/04 by F. Vannini, Vannini, F., V. Bandaru +21 · 1 citation
Engineering · Materials Science · #Electron and X-Ray Spectroscopy Techniques #FOS: Physical sciences #Particle accelerators and beam dynamics #Plasma Diagnostics and Applications #Plasma Physics (physics.plasm-ph)
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2407.03940
openalex publication_date 2024/07/04 · openalex created_date 2024/07/09 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Runaway electron loads onto material structures are a major concern for future large tokamaks due to the efficient avalanching at high plasma currents. Here, we perform predictive studies using the JOREK code for a plausible plasma configuration in the European DEMO fusion power plant with focus on a pessimistic scenario in which a multi mega-ampere runaway electron beam is formed. The work first comprises axisymmetric predictions of runaway electron beam formation in a mitigated scenario and of the simultaneous vertical motion of the beam due to loss of position control. The subsequent runaway electron beam termination triggered by a burst of MHD activity during the course of the vertical motion is then simulated in 3D with the runaway electron fluid self-consistently coupled to the MHD modes. Finally, the resulting deposition pattern of the runaway electrons onto wall structures is calculated with a relativistic test particle approach. This way, the suitability of a possible sacrificial limiter concept for the protection of first wall components is assessed.