Analytical model for collisionless scrape-off-layer plasma during disruptions and enhanced phase of normal operation

Abstract

The structure of a collisionless scrape-off-layer (SOL) plasma in tokamak reactors is studied in order to define the electron distribution function and the corresponding sheath potential between the divertor plate and the edge plasma. The collisionless model is shown to be valid during the thermal phase of plasma disruption, as well as during the newly desired low-recycling normal phase of operation with low-density, high-temperature, edge plasma conditions. An analytical solution is developed by solving the Fokker–Planck equation for electron distribution and balance in the SOL. The solution is in good agreement with numerical studies using Monte Carlo methods. The analytical solutions provide insight into the role of different physical and geometrical processes in a collisionless SOL during disruptions and during the enhanced phase of normal operation over a wide range of parameters.