Edge Plasma Physics: Key Considerations for PIC Codes & Simulations

[LuisVela]

Hello everybody.
Im starting a project on the basic processed undergoing in the edge plasma region. ( I mean, near the walls of a plasma confining device, like a tokamak or so.)

I was wondering if you could name some ''things'' I should be aware of in order to make a small PIC code or computer simulation.

I came up with these ones:

1.) Electron sheath on the walls, and over diagnostic devices (Probes and so on..).

2.) Non-Maxwellian distribution near the edge.

3.) High gradients on temperature & electric potential.

4.) In case of a PIC code, be awarer that the electron-larmor radius is bigger than the dimensions of the cell composing the grid.

...any suggestions?

 

[Astronuc]

There would be a greater density of neutrals near the edge of the plasma. If the plasma (neutral) make it to the wall, then there are spallation reactions with the wall, and that is the source of contamination (of higher Z atoms) in the plasma. If the current density is greater in the sheath, then the sheath temperature is higher and the heat must be conducted to the interior.

The heating might also be accomplished by neutral beam injection, microwave heating and compression.