Runaway dynamics in reactor-scale spherical tokamak disruptions

• Published in: arXiv.org
• Main Authors: Berger, E, Pusztai, I, Newton, S L, Hoppe, M, Vallhagen, O, Fil, A, Fülöp, T
• Format: Paper Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ithaca Cornell University Library, arXiv.org 03.08.2022
• Subjects: Deuterium; Electrons; Neon; Physics - Plasma Physics; Thermal energy; Tokamak devices
• ISSN: 2331-8422
• DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2208.02117

Understanding generation and mitigation of runaway electrons in disruptions is important for the safe operation of future tokamaks. In this paper we investigate runaway dynamics in reactor-scale spherical tokamaks. We study both the severity of runaway generation during unmitigated disruptions, as well as the effect that typical mitigation schemes based on massive material injection have on runaway production. The study is conducted using the numerical framework DREAM (Disruption Runaway Electron Analysis Model). We find that, in many cases, mitigation strategies are necessary to prevent the runaway current from reaching multi-megaampere levels. Our results indicate that with a suitably chosen deuterium-neon mixture for mitigation, it is possible to achieve a tolerable runaway current and ohmic current evolution. With such parameters, however, the majority of the thermal energy loss happens through radial transport rather than radiation, which poses a risk of unacceptable localised heat loads.