Investigation of conventional and Super-X divertor configurations of MAST Upgrade using scrape-off layer plasma simulation

One of the first studies of MAST Upgrade divertor configurations with scrape-off layer plasma simulation (SOLPS) 5.0 are presented. We focus on understanding the main prospects associated with the novel geometry of the Super-X divertor (SXD). This includes a discussion of the effect of magnetic flux expansion and volumetric power losses on the reduction of target power loads, the effect of divertor geometry on the divertor closure and the distribution of neutral species and radiation in the divertor, and the role of the connection length in broadening the target wetted area. A comparison in conditions typical for MAST inter-ELM H-mode plasmas confirms the improved performance of the Super-X topology resulting in significantly better divertor closure with respect to neutrals (the atomic flux from the target increased by a factor of 6, but the atomic flux from the divertor to the upper SOL reduced by a factor of 2), increased radiation volume and increased total power loss (a factor of 2) and a reduction of target power loads through both magnetic flux expansion and larger volumetric power loss in the divertor (a factor of 5–10 in attached plasmas). The reduction of the target power load by SXD further increases with collisionality (high density or detached regimes) thanks to the larger importance of volumetric power losses. It is found that a cold divertor plasma leads to stronger parallel temperature gradients in the SOL which drive more parallel heat flux, meaning that the effectiveness of perpendicular transport in spreading the power at the target can be reduced, and this needs to be taken into account in any optimization.