Analytical solution of high βp equilibria with natural inboard poloidal null configuration obtained in the spherical tokamak QUEST

Abstract

High βp (εβp ~ 1) equilibria obtained in a ECW heated Ohmic plasma is investigated using a simple analytic solution of Grad-Shafranov equation. The formation of a natural inboard poloidal null associated with high βp is explained consistently by high diamagnetism and negative triangularity. As βp is increased, the poloidal null point penetrates further into the vacuum vessel, which is qualitatively explained by the analytic model. Transition from inboard (high field side) limiter bound to the natural divertor configuration is associated with a reduction of the edge safety factor without appreciable enhancement of MHD activities. Such a scenario is also addressed successfully with the model.