BOUT++ (Scrape-off layer and divertor turbulence)

As magnetic fusion research progresses towards reactor relevant conditions, it becomes clearer that the plasma exhaust and its consequent surface interaction will strongly constrain the operational space and determine whether the next generation machines will be successful. The level of interaction of the plasma with the solid structures surrounding it is largely determined by the properties of the Scrape-Off Layer (SOL), a narrow region outside the separatrix which is magnetically connected with the plasma facing components of the machine.
Understanding the turbulent transport mechanisms underneath the particle and heat exhaust is key to designing experiments optimised and compatible with safe operations. In this project, large scale numerical simulations based on the BOUT++ framework and the STORM module will be used to study the turbulent dynamics of the plasma in the Scrape Off Layer (SOL) and divertor (DIV) region of tokamaks. In particular, the project will build on the filamentary studies developed at CCFE in the last few years to produce a reliable framework to investigate experimentally relevant, fully turbulent fields. Attention will be devoted to MAST-Upgrade relevant conditions (turbulence in the long divertor leg or in snowflake configurations) and possibly to DEMO specific issues (wall loads in high temperature, high density conditions).