Spontaneous Break of up–down Symmetry in a Symmetric Double-Null Divertor Configuration

Resumo

A possibility of up–down asymmetry of the profiles of the edge plasma parameters in a symmetric double-null divertor configuration in the case of impurity seeding is found by computational modeling. The physical mechanism of such a symmetry violation, related to radiation-condensation instability, is proposed. This effect can reduce the would-be advantage of the double-null configuration in the power load spreading over a larger area, which is vital for fusion reactor projects.