Erosion patterns in a 3D magnetic topology are significantly altered when compared to an axisymmetric scenario due to differences in the impurity transport in a plasma environment. When resonant magnetic perturbations are applied in L-Mode discharges, eroded impurities can buildup in regions where an axisymmetric plasma would otherwise lead to zones of net erosion across the full toroidal length of the divertor. The reduction on the local and integrated erosion observed across a parametric study of the anomalous diffusion and impurity content in a plasma, can lead to the extension of divertor lifetimes in low power scenarios when 3D fields are applied. By contrast, in axisymmetric scenarios, most of the carbon eroded from the divertor are carried away to the far scrape-off layer.
This paper shows that applying 3D magnetic fields to fusion plasmas can alter the erosion patterns on the divertor, leading to reduced local and integrated erosion. This is due to differences in impurity transport compared to axisymmetric scenarios, where eroded materials can build up in certain regions. Understanding this 3D effect is important for extending divertor lifetime in future fusion devices.