Optimization of Heat Exhaust in the Edge of Tokamaks via Controlled Magnetic Stochastization

Abstract: The protection of plasma facing components from heat and particle overloads is paramount to ensure the operability and desired lifetime of magnetic fusion devices. The possibility of using external 3D magnetic perturbations to improve the steady-state heat exhaust in diverted tokamaks has been studied in this thesis. This approach involves producing a controlled stochastic region in the plasma edge without significantly affecting the core of the plasma. Using field line tracing and 3D advection-diffusion heat transport models, the resulting magnetic and heat flux footprints on the divertor have been analyzed. An optimized configuration has been obtained, which reveals the potential of this approach for considerably reducing the peak heat load on the divertor.