Coupled Monte Carlo neutral – fluid plasma simulation of Alcator C-Mod divertor plasma near detachment

Using the coupled fluid plasma and Monte Carlo neutral transport code, B2-EIRENE, we simulate and analyze a nearly detached Alcator C-Mod discharge exhibiting the divertor over-pressure or ‘‘death ray’ ’ phenomenon. Quali-tative agreement is obtained between the measured and simulated density and temperature profiles at the outboard midplane and divertor target. In the simulation, the divertor over-pressure is caused by radial transport of parallel momentum. Momentum transport by the neutral species is negligible. Ó 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved