Progress towards core-edge integration in fusion devices through dedicated experiments and a new integrated modeling framework
ORAL · Invited
Abstract
Core-edge integration remains one of the most important challenges for achieving magnetic confinement fusion energy. This challenge entails the simultaneous achievement of a high-performance core with a boundary solution compatible with the requirements dictated by the first wall material materials. Boundary solutions rely on radiative power exhaust with impurity radiation being the main driver for energy dissipation. The core and the plasma boundary are governed by different physics making the problem complex, multi-scales and multi-species. Recent dedicated experiments combined with a new modeling suite have advanced the crucial topic of core-edge and power exhaust substantially. Experimental findings and related modeling that establish a core-edge integrated boundary solution are presented in this talk.
Highly radiating plasmas in negative triangularity (NT) have been demonstrated through the use of reactor-relevant seeding gases, as extrinsic impurities featuring simultaneously high performance core, divertor heat flux reduction and intrinsically no ELMs [1]. A comprehensive core and divertor modeling highlights the physics mechanisms leading to confinement improvement and simultaneous reduction of the divertor heat flux when mantle radiation is integrated with the NT configuration. The results support a path to highly radiating, high performance NT plasmas with low PSOL and no ELMs which all enable a stable plasma material interface.
Core-edge integrated simulations with the new developed SICAS framework (SOLPS-ITER Coupled to ASTRA-STRAHL) [2] provides self-consistent background plasma and impurity transport from the divertor to the core with good agreement with experimental data. Application of SICAS to other relevant integrated core-edge and power exhaust experimental scenarios will be also discussed. The SICAS framework opens new possibilities in integrated modeling of fusion devices for the interpretation of current experiments as well as fusion power plant design. By capturing the complex interplay between impurity transport, core confinement, and edge dissipation, SICAS provides a physics-based foundation for designing new integrated scenarios for exhaust.
[1] L Casali et al 2025 Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 67 025007, [2] A. Welsh et al 2025 Nucl. Fusion 65 044002
Highly radiating plasmas in negative triangularity (NT) have been demonstrated through the use of reactor-relevant seeding gases, as extrinsic impurities featuring simultaneously high performance core, divertor heat flux reduction and intrinsically no ELMs [1]. A comprehensive core and divertor modeling highlights the physics mechanisms leading to confinement improvement and simultaneous reduction of the divertor heat flux when mantle radiation is integrated with the NT configuration. The results support a path to highly radiating, high performance NT plasmas with low PSOL and no ELMs which all enable a stable plasma material interface.
Core-edge integrated simulations with the new developed SICAS framework (SOLPS-ITER Coupled to ASTRA-STRAHL) [2] provides self-consistent background plasma and impurity transport from the divertor to the core with good agreement with experimental data. Application of SICAS to other relevant integrated core-edge and power exhaust experimental scenarios will be also discussed. The SICAS framework opens new possibilities in integrated modeling of fusion devices for the interpretation of current experiments as well as fusion power plant design. By capturing the complex interplay between impurity transport, core confinement, and edge dissipation, SICAS provides a physics-based foundation for designing new integrated scenarios for exhaust.
[1] L Casali et al 2025 Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 67 025007, [2] A. Welsh et al 2025 Nucl. Fusion 65 044002
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Presenters
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Livia Casali
University of Tennessee Knoxville
Authors
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Livia Casali
University of Tennessee Knoxville