Coupled Modeling for Self Consistent Equilibrium Evolution Using the IPS Framework

Due to the expense of ITER and the large energies involved, transient effects that could potentially damage first-wall and plasma-facing components must be avoided at all costs. Perturbations in the equilibrium result in induced currents in the conducting materials of the device. These eddy currents produce vacuum field errors that change the equilibrium. If not controlled, this feedback loop can result in an equilibrium colliding with the wall and disrupting. To avoid these damaging displacement events, ITER discharges need to be simulated first to understand potential catastrophic failures. Axisymmetric dynamic equilibrium codes like CREATE-NL+[1] can simulate the dynamic equilibrium under the influence of axisymmetric induced currents. However, port openings, reinforcement structures, blanket modules, and other features break axisymmetry. Accurately modeling these effects requires a fully 3D approach.