Benchmarking of a 1D Scrape-off layer code SOLF1D with SOLPS and its use in modelling long-legged divertors

TL;DR

This paper benchmarks a 1D SOL transport code against 2D simulations and applies it to model divertor leg stretching effects for the Super-X divertor on MAST, aiming to distinguish magnetic flux expansion from power losses.

Contribution

It introduces a validated 1D modeling approach for SOL transport and demonstrates its application to divertor geometry optimization for fusion devices.

Findings

Good agreement between 1D and 2D simulations at different collisionalities.

Effective modeling of divertor leg stretching impacts on power and flux.

Insights into magnetic flux expansion versus volumetric power losses.

Abstract

A 1D code modelling SOL transport parallel to the magnetic field (SOLF1D) is benchmarked with 2D simulations of MAST-U SOL performed via the SOLPS code for two different collisionalities. Based on this comparison, SOLF1D is then used to model the effects of divertor leg stretching in 1D, in support of the planned Super-X divertor on MAST. The aim is to separate magnetic flux expansion from volumetric power losses due to recycling neutrals by stretching the divertor leg either vertically or radially.