This paper investigates the predictive capabilities of TGYRO and TGLF models in assessing the performance of negative triangularity (NT) plasmas compared to positive triangularity (PT) plasmas in fusion devices. TGYRO predicts kinetic profiles, while TGLF analyzes turbulent transport. The study reveals that TGYRO reasonably predicts NT profiles similar to PT, although it overpredicts the high-power scenarios where there is increased experimental MHD activity. TGLF analysis finds reduced linear growth rates in NT and altered flux spectra relative to PT. Additionally, the TGLF SAT0 saturation model is observed to predict high-k transport and a reduction of particle transport with the electron temperature gradient. These findings are further corroborated by core-pedestal modeling using the Stability Transport Equilibrium Pedestal workflow, showing stronger confinement improvements in NT, particularly at higher power densities for the SAT0 saturation model. The study underscores the importance of accurately capturing turbulence saturation mechanisms for NT in order to project its performance accurately in fusion reactors.
This paper evaluates the accuracy of TGYRO and TGLF models in predicting the performance of fusion plasmas with negative triangularity (NT) compared to positive triangularity (PT). The study finds that while TGYRO reasonably predicts NT profiles, it overpredicts high-power scenarios with increased MHD activity. TGLF analysis reveals reduced linear growth rates and altered flux spectra in NT, suggesting the importance of accurately capturing turbulence saturation mechanisms for NT scenarios.