Presentation of the New SOLPS-ITER Code Package for Tokamak Plasma Edge Modelling

Abstract

We present in this paper the code package SOLPS-ITER, initially introduced by S. Wiesen et al. [J. Nucl. Mater. 463, 480 (2015)], dedicated to simulations of plasmas in the edge region of fusion devices. This package brings together previously existing SOLPS implementations and aims to become the new standard SOLPS version. We summarize the benchmarking work done to ensure backward compatibility with previous work, with a strong requirement on maintaining the viability and usability of the already extensive database of SOLPS runs used for the ITER divertor design and edge plasma physics studies worldwide over the years. The SOLPS-ITER package includes not only the plasma (B2.5) and neutral (Eirene) transport solvers, but also a large set of software tools for input file build-up, conversion of old runs, inline run analysis, and post-processing, all within a standardized portable run environment and version control system. Ongoing and planned upgrades to the code, such as extending the computational domain to the full vacuum vessel wall and a new graphical user interface, are also discussed.