Estimated RF sheath power fluxes on ITER plasma facing components

Using numerical simulation, a first estimate is made of power fluxes caused by radio-frequency sheaths on plasma facing components surrounding the ITER Ion Cyclotron Range of Frequencies wave launcher. Three toroidal strap phasings were considered, and four plasma scenarios covering a broad range of Scrape-Off Layer densities. Parallel heat fluxes up to ∼16 MW/m2 are obtained, localized in poloidal peaks whose radial extension (initially 4-35 mm) increases when nearby flux tubes are coupled by exchanging RF currents. Quantitative results strongly depend on the local density, both via the unperturbed input profiles and via subsequent RF-induced modifications by E x B0 convection. Sources of uncertainty and aspects requiring further validation are identified.