Dependence of the L–H transition on X-point geometry and divertor recycling on NSTX

The edge electron (Te) and ion temperature (Ti) at the time of the L–H transition increase when the X-point radius (RX) is reduced to a high-triangularity shape while maintaining constant edge density. Consequently the L–H power threshold (PLH) is larger for the high-triangularity shape. This supports the prediction that a single-particle loss hole, whose properties are strongly linked to RX and Ti, influences the edge radial electric field (Er) and Er × B flow-shearing rate available for turbulence suppression. Simulations using XGC0, a full-f drift-kinetic neoclassical code, indicate that maintaining a constant Er × B flow-shearing rate does require a larger heat flux and edge Ti as RX decreases. NSTX also observes a decrease in PLH when the divertor recycling is decreased using lithium coatings. However, the edge Te and Ti at the L–H transition appear independent of the divertor recycling for a constant shape. XGC0 calculations demonstrate that more heat flux is needed to maintain the edge Ti and the Er × B flow-shearing rate as the contribution of divertor recycling to the overall neutral fuelling rate increases. (paper)