Self-consistent full MHD coupling of JOREK and STARWALL for advanced plasma free boundary simulation

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new self-consistent coupling scheme between the JOREK MHD code and STARWALL, enabling detailed 3D plasma-wall interaction simulations crucial for understanding disruptions and electromagnetic forces in fusion devices.

Contribution

It presents the first full 3D MHD coupling of JOREK with STARWALL, improving the accuracy of plasma and conductor interaction modeling in fusion simulations.

Findings

Validated coupling scheme with benchmarks for axisymmetric VDEs

Demonstrated multi-harmonics simulation capabilities

Enhanced modeling of plasma-wall electromagnetic interactions

Abstract

An adequate modelling of the electromagnetic interaction of the plasma with the surrounding conductors is paramount for the correct reproduction of 3D plasma dynamics. Simulations of the latter provide in turn useful predictions regarding the plasma evolution, the related MHD modes leading to disruptions and the electromagnetic forces acting on the vacuum vessel's components when said disruptions occur. The latest modelling efforts with the 3D FEM non-linear JOREK code have been directed towards the eddy current coupling of a reduced magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) plasma model with thin and volumetric wall codes (STARWALL and CARIDDI). In this contribution, we present an eddy current coupling between the full MHD model of JOREK and the STARWALL code; this new coupling scheme describes the full three-dimensional interactions of the plasma with the vacuum region and external conductors, modeled by natural boundary conditions linking the magnetic vector potential $\mathbf{A}$ to the magnetic field $\mathbf{B}$. The consistency of the new coupling scheme is validated via benchmarks for axisymmetric Vertical Displacement Events and multi-harmonics simulations of MHD modes.