Numerical sensitivity analysis of divertor heat flux and edge temperature at DIII-D under the influence of resonant magnetic perturbations

Abstract The impact of resonant magnetic perturbations on the edge plasma is investigated with the EMC3-EIRENE code. Earlier simulations have shown discrepancies to experimental observations regarding splitting of the divertor heat flux and reduction of the edge temperature. We demonstrate that the latter discrepancy is related to a possible overestimation of the classical parallel electron heat conductivity at low collisionalities. Furthermore, the heat flux splitting pattern can be modified through the application of an RMP screening model, while other model advancements – such as neutral gas pumping and re-fuelling, an ‘ad hoc’ flux limit or impurity radiation – seem to have no impact on the splitting pattern. A broadening and shape change of the toroidally averaged divertor heat flux is analyzed.