TSC modelling approach to mimicking the halo current in ASDEX upgrade disruptive discharges

Nakamura, Yukiharu*; Pautasso, G.*; Sugihara, Masayoshi*; Miyamoto, Seiji; Toshimitsu, Shinichi; Yoshino, Ryuji; ASDEX Upgrade Team*

Of particular importance for the assessment of electromagnetic loads on vacuum vessel and in-vessel components of ITER is the halo current which achieves a maximum during VDEs (VDE: vertical displacement event). However, halo current models have a limited development so far with a few exceptions such as a validation study of the JT-60U halo current modelling using the DINA code. Recently, several experimental groups have prepared systematic halo current data, and further model development and validation with these data need to be performed using an axisymmetric, two-dimensional, free boundary code, TSC. To enhance an understanding of the maximum halo current and large vertical shifts, a reference discharge was selected from those included in the ASDEX upgrade disruption database. Systematic TSC simulations were performed to mimic the observation of a slow VDE of hot plasma and an ensuing fast downward-going VDE during a subsequent plasma current quench. Careful parameter adjustment of the temperature and width of the halo region was examined to mimic measurements of the halo current. A spontaneous, downward-going VDE was reproduced accurately in a manner that closely resembled experimental observations.