Alcator C-Mod Run 1030630 Information

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Miniproposals
Miniproposal:335
Date Filed: 5/2/2003
Title:Edge plasma flows in upper verus lower x-point discharges
First Author:Brian Labombard
Session Leader:Brian Labombard (shots 18-31)
Miniproposal:342
Date Filed: 6/5/2003
Title:Density pedestals in L-mode and H-mode plasmas
First Author:Jerry Hughes
Session Leader:Jerry Hughes (shots 1-17)

Operators
Session leader(s):Jerry Hughes,Brian Labombard
Physics operator(s):Dmitri Mossessian
Engineering operator(s): Unknown

Engineering Operator Run Comment
MP #342 and MP #335/Hughes/Labombard/Mossessian

Session Leader Plans

Physics Operators Plans

Session Leader Summaries
Entered: Jul 7 2004 03:49:33:380PM
Author: Jerry Hughes
1030630A Run Summary
Physics Operator: D. Mossessian
Session Leader: J.W. Hughes

This half-day run is in support of MP#342, "Density pedestals in
L-mode and H-mode plasmas"

Purpose:

The objective of the experiment is to examine edge electron density
profiles in L-mode plasmas, and to compare with H-mode plasmas having
similar values of edge density. Of interest is the behavior of the
L-mode density profile as density is varied and the extent to
which the target L-mode profiles affect the subsequent H-mode
pedestal. SOL profile measurements from Thomson scattering will also
be systematically compared with probe scans near the machine midplane.

Plan:

All shots full length, single lower null discharges at 5.4T. Begin
by loading 1030530032, a 600kA shot with target nl04~4e19. 2-3MW flat
ICRF pulse should begin at 1.0s in order to trigger H-mode. ASP should
be scanned twice prior to RF turn-on, and once afterwards. Supplemental
scans of the FSP and ISP may be useful as well.

Target density will be scanned upward shot by shot in increments of
2e19. When satisfactory L-mode and H-mode profiles are obtained at
each target density, we will proceed to the next higher density. As
density becomes higher, we may require additional RF heating (1-2 MW)
during the L-mode phase (0.7--1.0s), in order to suppress edge cooling
and poloidal detachment. If this doesn't work, we may switch to 800kA
discharges in order to complete the high density portion of the scan.
Time permitting, shots with target densities in the 4-8e19 range
should be repeated at the higher current.

Results:

After some initial glitches, the run proceeded according to plan and
yielded some useful measurements of edge profiles in L-modes produced
over a wide range of target densities. Also, good profiles were
obtained in H-modes of relatively low pedestal n_e. We came very close
to matching L-mode and H-mode pedestal densities at fixed magnetic
configuration. Thanks to B. LaBombard, the shots benefited from
successful SOL scans of the A-port scanning probe (ASP). SOL data were
also obtained on many shots using the F-port (FSP) and inner wall
scanning probes (ISP). Thus the measurement goals were fairly well
met, and analysis of the measured profiles can proceed.

RF power was limited due to a problem with the D-port transmitter and
the inability of J-port to perform at high gas pressure. Also, data
acquisition problems prevented proper RF tuning between shots and
resulted in RF power not being written to the tree prior to shot
11. Despite these limitations, RF heating was sufficient to trigger
H-modes at low density and to supress detachment and MARFE phenomena
in high-density H-modes.

At I_p=600kA, a target density scan from 0.4 to 1.3e20 m^-2 was
executed over the course of shots 4 through 14. There were
RF-triggered H-modes on shots 5 through 10, with pedestal n_e
increasing along with the nl04 target. (X-ray diagnostics did not show
evidence of an L-H transition on shots 8-10. B. Granetz therefore
insisted that these shots did not go into H-mode, despite evidence
from edge TS, H-alpha, etc.) The first upper chamber MARFE of the day
occurred during shot 10 (target nl04=1e20). The application of RF
power (the exact quantity of power is not in the tree) terminated the
MARFE, which was likely a poloidal detachment event, and subsequently
triggered a well-behaved H-mode. We subsequently had success
suppressing the presumed detachment, though MARFEs continued to plague
us on shots 11,14 and 16. Interestingly, during MARFEs, LaBombard
noted a marked deficit in density on the inboard SOL, as measured by
the ISP, indicating blocked flow of plasma from the outboard side.

At the highest target densities, we obtained L-mode pedestal densities
close to that of the low-density H-mode on shot 5 (ne_ped~1e20 m^-3),
though a perfect match was not obtained. The best success at obtaining
high density L-modes was had by ramping the target nl04 from 1.0 to
1.4e20 while ramping RF power from 1.2 to 1.4 MW (Shot 16). On the
final shot, 17, I_p was raised to 800 kA, and detachment was avoided,
despite faulting on the RF.

Overall, it was a productive run. The data collected show promise, in
that we should be able to explore trends in the profiles as a function
of overall density. Careful analysis of the data will be needed before
conclusions are drawn.


--Logbook entries:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630001 jwhughes SESSION_LEADER Jun 30 2003 10:28:29:343AM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
No plasma
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630002 jwhughes SESSION_LEADER Jun 30 2003 10:38:58:160AM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cycle test, no power.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630003 jwhughes SESSION_LEADER Jun 30 2003 11:01:34:876AM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plasma, density very low. Getting sporadic edge measurements on the
order of 1e19.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630004 jwhughes SESSION_LEADER Jun 30 2003 11:12:28:953AM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
No RF shot. Density at the correct level.
n_e(95)~2.5e19. n_e(sep)~1.5e19
T_e(95)~100eV. T_e(sep)~50eV
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630005 jwhughes SESSION_LEADER Jun 30 2003 11:49:55:486AM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RF went, something between 2 and 3 MW, though there are problems with their CPCI DAQ.
Density slightly higher than on last shot. Decent profiles, but could have better
edge YAG alignment.
L-mode:
n_e(95)~2.5e19. n_e(sep)~1.5e19
T_e(95)~100eV. T_e(sep)~50eV
H-mode:
ne_ped~1e20
Te_ped~400eV
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630006 jwhughes SESSION_LEADER Jun 30 2003 2:33:48:703PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RF went, at some unknown value.
Density higher. Still need to get edge alignment
a little better
L-mode:
n_e(95)~4e19. n_e(sep)~2e19
T_e(95)~100eV. T_e(sep)~50eV
H-mode:
ne_ped~1-1.2e20
Te_ped~300-400eV
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630007 jwhughes SESSION_LEADER Jun 30 2003 12:06:42:486PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
nl04 right at 6e19. Got the H-mode at 1s again, though it doesn't look very pretty.
There is very good agreement in the density measurements from ASP
and TS during the initial H-mode phase.
L-mode:
n_e(95)~4e19. n_e(sep)~2e19
T_e(sep)~50eV
H-mode:
ne_ped~1-1.2e20, Te_ped~200-300eV
Raise target ne on next shot.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630008 jwhughes SESSION_LEADER Jun 30 2003 12:28:37:313PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
nl04 right at 9e19. Got an EDA-ish H-mode at 1s.
L-mode:
n_e(95)~6-7e19. n_e(sep)~4-5e19
T_e(sep)~50eV
H-mode:
ne_ped~1.4-1.5e20
Te_ped~200-250eV
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630009 jwhughes SESSION_LEADER Jun 30 2003 12:31:12:673PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
nl04 right at 9e19. Got an H-mode at 1s.
RF is still having problems. It can't be tuned properly.
Granetz insists there's no H-mode anyway.
L-mode:
n_e(95)~5-6e19. n_e(sep)~5e19
T_e(sep)~50eV
H-mode:
ne_ped~1.3-1.4e20
Te_ped~300eV
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630010 jwhughes SESSION_LEADER Jun 30 2003 12:44:13:063PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
nl04 programming up to 1e20. Probably too high, leading to detachment.
RF seems to make it go away. Got an H-mode at 1.03s.
Only good Thomson profiles in L-mode before 0.6s and after 1.3s
H-mode:
ne_ped~1.5e20
Te_ped~200-300eV
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630012 jwhughes SESSION_LEADER Jun 30 2003 2:35:03:923PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
nl04=1e20. Supressed MARFE-ing by increasing RF power to 1 MW
early in the discharge.
all L-mode, ne_sep~4-5e19, ne_95~6-7e19
Te_sep~40-50eV
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630013 jwhughes SESSION_LEADER Jun 30 2003 1:33:23:736PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
nl04=1.15e20. P_RF~1.1MW from 0.7-1.5s. No MARFE.
all L-mode, ne_sep~5-6e19, ne_95~7-8e19
Te_sep~30-50eV. We'll push density higher on next shot.
Also asking for a little more RF power.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630014 jwhughes SESSION_LEADER Jun 30 2003 1:50:05:533PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
nl04 target was 1.3e20. Huge MARFE that lasts through most of
the discharge. Edge TS essentially useless.
No substantial RF was coupled, apparently.
Dmitri suggests a density ramp-up during the RF phase.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630015 jwhughes SESSION_LEADER Jun 30 2003 2:35:55:110PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
nl04 was ramped from 1-1.4e20. during RF at 1-1.2 MW.
MARFE avoided.
ne_95 climbed from 7-9e19, while Te_95 decreased.
Ask for a little more RF power on next shot.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630016 jwhughes SESSION_LEADER Jun 30 2003 2:36:08:423PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Programmed same as last shot, but with P_RF ramping from 1.2-1.4MW
A good shot, except for the large MARFE from 0.56-.98. Got a decent
L-mode measurement after recovery, however. ne_95~8-9e19
Not quite a match with the H-mode pedestal n_e from shot 5, but close.
We'll raise the current to 800kA on the next shot.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630017 jwhughes SESSION_LEADER Jun 30 2003 2:31:43:063PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Good shot. RF tanked early on, but plasma, at an I_p of 800kA, did not detach.
L-mode all the way, with ne_95 in the range of .8-1e20.
This is the end of my portion of the run.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entered: Jul 7 2004 03:49:33:397PM
Author: Brian Labombard
Run Summary for 1030630-B, MP#335: "Edge plasma flows in upper versus lower x-point discharges"

Session Leader: B. LaBombard
Physics Operator: D. Mossessian
________________________________________________________________________________
1030630-B Run Plan (continuation from 1030619 run)

Purpose:
The primary purpose of these experiments is to investigate
the sensitivity of the magnitude and direction of the parallel plasma
flows (routinely observed in the edge plasma) to the magnetic
geometry, in particular upper, lower and double-null configurations.

Last time we attempted this MP (1030619), we only got 5 data-quality
discharges (see run_summary_1030619). This 1/2 day run was aimed
at filling in some of the missing data points.

Shot Plan:
Reload shot 1030619031

All shots are 0.8 MA, 5.3 tesla discharges.

Start with SNL
1,2 - NL04 = 0.8, SNL
3,4 - NL04 = 0.6, SNL

Switch to SNU
5,6 - NL04 = 0.6, SNU
7,8 - NL04 = 1.2, SNU

Switch to SNL
9,10 - NL04 = 1.2, SNL

Begin density scan in DN configuration.

Shot#11,12,13 - NL04 = 1.0, DN
Adjust SSEP for balanced double-null.
Tweak equilibrium and FSP/ASP/ISP target.

14,15 - NL04 = 0.8, DN
16,17 - NL04 = 0.6, DN
18,19 - NL04 = 1.2, DN

________________________________________________________________________________
Result:
A very productive 1/2 run day, netting 11 more good quality data shots and bringing
the total to 16 for this MP - many thanks to Steve Wolfe for finding a way to
schedule this make-up session.

From these data, a clear picture of the parallel flows in the SOL and their dependence
on plasma density is beginning to form:

(1) Flows near the inner midplane (as detected by the ISP) care mostly about
x-point location. For single null discharges the flow is directed to the active inner
divertor: down for SNL discharges and up for SNU discharges. Thus the flow appears
to result from plasma streaming along field lines from the low- to high-field SOL.
In double null discharges the flow is greatly reduced, consistent with the x-points
blocking the communication from low to high-field side. There may be a dependence
of the magnitude of the flows on discharge density, favoring stronger flows at high
density. This needs to be looked at in detail.

(2) Parallel flows at the outer-midplane (as detected by the ASP) do not care about the x-point
location. A "co-current" flow is measured regardless of SNL, SNU, or DN configurations.
The flow becomes stronger as the plasma density is lowered, as has been seen previously.
Thus the explanation of the flow pattern as being a 'toroidal rotation' may be
most appropriate here.

Unfortunately, the WEST electrode on the FSP probe developed an intermittent open-circuit
condition just before the start of the second half of the run (naturally). So there are only
a few random measurements of Mach flow from this probe today. Still, these indicate a
co-current flow, similar to the ASP measurement.

The Chromex spectrometer was looking at toroidal fiber telescope views of the inner and
outer SOL, recording He+1 emission resulting from local helium puffs on the inner wall
and A/B limiter capillary tubes. The large doppler shifts recorded on the 1030619 run did not
seem to be present today. Further analysis is required to understand why.

Shots for analysis:

19,20,22,23 - Lower single null, NL04 = .59 <-> .85

24,25,26,27 - Upper single null, NL04 = .53 <-> 1.2

28,30,31 - Double null, NL04 = .6 <-> 1.

________________________________________________________________________________
Detailed shot log:

Shot 18 - Fizzle

Shot 19 - ASP, FSP, ISP scanning at .8, 1.0, 1.2 s
SNL, NL04 = .85
FSP-WEST probe is failing (cable problem, I suspect)
ISP data look good.
ASP ok

Shot 20 - ASP, FSP, ISP scanning at .8, 1.0, 1.2 s
SNL, NL04 = .75, rising after NINJA puff
ISP data look good.
ASP ok

Shot 21 - Fizzle

Shot 22 - ASP, FSP, ISP scanning at .8, 1.0, 1.2 s
SNL, NL04 = .7, rising after NINJA puff
ISP data look good.
ASP looks good
Still problem with FSP-WEST

Shot 23 - ASP, FSP, ISP scanning at .8, 1.0, 1.2 s
SNL, NL04 = .59, rising after NINJA puff
ISP data look good.
ASP looks good.

Shot 24 - ASP, FSP, ISP scanning at .8, 1.0, 1.2 s
SNU, NL04 = .53, rising after NINJA puff
ISP sees flow in opposite direction (towards upper divertor)
ASP sees same co-current flow as in SNL discharge.

Shot 25 - ASP, FSP, ISP scanning at .8, 1.0, 1.2 s
SNU, NL04 = .63, rising after NINJA puff
again ISP sees flow in opposite direction (towards upper divertor)
again ASP sees same co-current flow as in SNL discharge.

Shot 26 - ASP, FSP, ISP scanning at .8, 1.0, 1.2 s
SNU, NL04 = 1, rising after NINJA puff
ISP sees very strong flow towards upper divertor
ASP sees no flow.

Shot 27 - ASP, FSP, ISP scanning at .8, 1.0, 1.2 s
SNU, NL04 = 1.2, rising ~1.4 after NINJA puff
ISP sees very strong flow towards upper divertor
ASP sees no flow.

Shot 28 - ASP, FSP, ISP scanning at .8, 1.0, 1.2 s
DN, NL04 = 1. with density/MARFE oscillations to 1.3
ISP sees no flow
ASP sees co-current flow.

Shot 29 -Fizzle

Shot 30 - ASP, FSP, ISP scanning at .8, 1.0, 1.2 s
DN, NL04 = .9
ISP sees some flows
ASP sees co-current flow.

Shot 31 - ASP, FSP, ISP scanning at .8, 1.0, 1.2 s
DN, NL04 = .6
ISP -> no flow
ASP sees co-current flow.

Physics Operator Summaries
Entered: Jul 7 2004 04:37:18:473PM
Author: Dmitri Mossessian
Physop summary for 1030630.

Run was split between J.Hughes MP#342 "density pedestals" and completion
of B. LaBombard's MP#335 "edge plasma flows".

SL: Hughes, LaBombard
PO: Mossessian

Run started at 10:00

Run plans:

MP#342 Density pedestals in L-mode and H-mode plasmas

Purpose:

The objective of the experiment is to examine edge electron density
profiles in L-mode plasmas, and to compare with H-mode plasmas having
similar values of edge density. Of interest is the behavior of the
L-mode density profile as density is varied and the extent to
which the target L-mode profiles affect the subsequent H-mode
pedestal. SOL profile measurements from Thomson scattering will also
be systematically compared with probe scans near the machine midplane.

Plan:

All shots full length, single lower null discharges at 5.4T. Begin
by loading 1030530032, a 600kA shot with target nl04~4e19. 2-3MW flat
ICRF pulse should begin at 1.0s in order to trigger H-mode. ASP should
be scanned twice prior to RF turn-on, and once afterwards. Supplemental
scans of the FSP and ISP may be useful as well.

Target density will be scanned upward shot by shot in increments of
2e19. When satisfactory L-mode and H-mode profiles are obtained at
each target density, we will proceed to the next higher density. As
density becomes higher, we may require additional RF heating (1-2 MW)
during the L-mode phase (0.7--1.0s), in order to suppress edge cooling
and poloidal detachment. If this doesn't work, we may switch to 800kA
discharges in order to complete the high density portion of the scan.
Time permitting, shots with target densities in the 4-8e19 range
should be repeated at the higher current.


MP#335 - Edge plasma flows in upper verus lower x-point discharges

Purpose:
The primary purpose of these experiments is to investigate
the sensitivity of the magnitude and direction of the parallel plasma
flows (routinely observed in the edge plasma) to the magnetic
geometry, in particular upper, lower and double-null configurations.

Shot Plan:
Reload shot 1030619031, per Steve Wolfe's advice:
"...I recommend loading PCS from 1030619031 and changing the startup
in seg 1 to one that works. Segments 2, 3, and 4 in that shot are set
up for Lower Null, Upper Null and near-DN with SSEP control,
respectively, as called for in Brian's MP. The gaps in seg 2 and 3 were
tweaked up to
Brian's liking on that day; since we never got to the SSEP control part
of the run, segment 3 will need some equilibrium tweaking, but it was
taken from a shot that ran ok, and should be close to what he wants."

All shots are 0.8 MA, 5.3 tesla discharges.

Start with SNL
1,2 - NL04 = 0.8, SNL
3,4 - NL04 = 0.6, SNL

Switch to SNU
5,6 - NL04 = 0.6, SNU
7,8 - NL04 = 1.2, SNU

Switch to SNL
9,10 - NL04 = 1.2, SNL

Begin density scan in DN configuration.

Shot#11,12,13 - NL04 = 1.0, DN
Adjust SSEP for balanced double-null.
Tweak equilibrium and FSP/ASP/ISP target.

14,15 - NL04 = 0.8, DN
16,17 - NL04 = 0.6, DN
18,19 - NL04 = 1.2, DN
________________________________________________________

Summary:

Run went OK.
Most of the shots have bad current hesitation at the startup. Plasma bounces, probably on
the outer wall. Tweaking gas, Bz and RCUR in segmnent 1 did not lead to any improvements (shots 5 through11). Startup sometimes improves by itself, but generally plasma survives the bounce. Even after
a fizzle, if nothing changed in the startup the next shot is usually OK.
In the second half of the run various configurations were used. Lower adn upper nulls were OK, but when we tried double null first time (shot 28), too much gain in SSEP caused EF2 to oscillate madly.
When integral gain on SSEP was turned off a proportional gain was lowered from 5 to 3 the situation improved. On last shot we tried to bring SSEP down from 3 to 2 mm, and the oscillations came back, although
not as strong as on shot 28.


Total 31 shots

1 dud - no gas, PLC fault
1 test
3 fizzles
26 plasmas

Details:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630001 mossessian PHYSICS_OPERATOR Jun 30 2003 10:17:19:393AM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loaded 1030530032. Wanted to load segment 1 from more recent shot, but realized that startup was
much better on 1030530032 than on any of the recent shots. Left segment 1 as is.

Dud. No gas - most likely PLC fault.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630002 mossessian PHYSICS_OPERATOR Jun 30 2003 10:41:21:360AM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
This will be test cycle to check gas and TF.

Looks OK. gas is on.

Next shot - plasma attempt
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630003 mossessian PHYSICS_OPERATOR Jun 30 2003 10:59:09:440AM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plasma. Very low density. It turns out that nl04 feedback is OFF on the loaded shot.

Next shot - turn nl04 feedback back on.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630004 mossessian PHYSICS_OPERATOR Jun 30 2003 11:19:11:970AM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plasma. Density is OK. No Rf on this one.

Next shot - repeat with RF.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630005 mossessian PHYSICS_OPERATOR Jun 30 2003 11:32:10:046AM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plasma. H-mode. Startup is bad.

Next shot - drop prepuff 26 -> 23 ms to get faster current rise. Target nl up to 6e19
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630006 mossessian PHYSICS_OPERATOR Jun 30 2003 11:48:00:173AM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plasma. lowering gas did not help the startup.

Next shot - Bz up a little: IC_EF4 -1320 -> -1310. No other changes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630007 mossessian PHYSICS_OPERATOR Jun 30 2003 12:02:42:330PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plasma. Bz still too low.

Next shot - RCUR down 0.66 -> 0.655 at 0.01 s. Target nl to 8e19
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630008 mossessian PHYSICS_OPERATOR Jun 30 2003 12:15:07:673PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plasma. Last change in RCUR seemed to make startup woprse.

Next shot - RCUR up 0.655 -> 0.665 at 0.01 s. Ar up to 35 ms.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630009 mossessian PHYSICS_OPERATOR Jun 30 2003 12:28:19:690PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plasma. Startup is bad again.

Next shot - RCUR up 0.665 -> 0.67 at 0.01 s. Target nl to 1e20
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630010 mossessian PHYSICS_OPERATOR Jun 30 2003 12:46:14:970PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plasma.

Next shot - RCUR up 0.67 -> 0.65 at 0.01 s.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630011 mossessian PHYSICS_OPERATOR Jun 30 2003 12:59:38:050PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plasma. All RCUR changes do not affect the quality of current rise, although plasma position
does seem to respond, but in a starnge way.

Next shot - RCUR back to 0.66 at 0.01 s. No other changes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630012 mossessian PHYSICS_OPERATOR Jun 30 2003 1:14:39:236PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plasma. Stratup is good.

Next shot - target to 1.1e20
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630013 mossessian PHYSICS_OPERATOR Jun 30 2003 1:30:23:703PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plasma.

Next shot - target to 1.3e20
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630014 mossessian PHYSICS_OPERATOR Jun 30 2003 1:48:46:203PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plasma. Plasma detaches early at this density.

Next shot - do nl ramp from 1e20 to 1.4e20 from .6 sec when RF starts to 1.5 sec
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630015 mossessian PHYSICS_OPERATOR Jun 30 2003 2:12:33:860PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plasma. Plasma with good density ramp

Next shot - repeat
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630016 mossessian PHYSICS_OPERATOR Jun 30 2003 2:13:15:440PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plasma. Plasma. Large MARFE

Next shot - go to 800 kA current with the same density ramp
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630017 mossessian PHYSICS_OPERATOR Jun 30 2003 2:46:23:486PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plasma. Nice density ramp with 0.8 MA

Next shot - load 1030619031. Load segment 1 from 1030630017 (last shot).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630018 mossessian PHYSICS_OPERATOR Jun 30 2003 2:47:30:923PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fizzle. Bounces on the outside.

Next shot - Bz up: IC_EF4 -1310 -> -1300
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630019 mossessian PHYSICS_OPERATOR Jun 30 2003 3:26:46:330PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plasma. Bounces but survives

Next shot - target nl down to 7e19
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630020 mossessian PHYSICS_OPERATOR Jun 30 2003 3:27:18:580PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plasma.

Next shot - target to 6e19
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630021 mossessian PHYSICS_OPERATOR Jun 30 2003 3:40:55:313PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fizzle.

Next shot - no startup change. Left gap down 2 mm. 10 msec less of Ar
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630022 mossessian PHYSICS_OPERATOR Jun 30 2003 3:54:57:890PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plasma.

Next shot - target to 5e19
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630023 mossessian PHYSICS_OPERATOR Jun 30 2003 3:54:30:330PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plasma.

Next shot - switch to Segment 3, Upper null. Target nl to 5e20
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630024 mossessian PHYSICS_OPERATOR Jun 30 2003 4:28:29:063PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plasma.

Next shot - Target nl to 6e19
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630025 mossessian PHYSICS_OPERATOR Jun 30 2003 4:28:17:596PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plasma.

Next shot - Target nl to 1e20
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630026 mossessian PHYSICS_OPERATOR Jun 30 2003 4:45:17:486PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plasma.

Next shot - Target nl to 1.2e20
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630027 mossessian PHYSICS_OPERATOR Jun 30 2003 5:02:47:813PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plasma.

Next shot - switch to segment 4, double null. Target nl to 1e20
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630028 mossessian PHYSICS_OPERATOR Jun 30 2003 5:30:28:970PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plasma. Oscillates between lower and upper null.

Next shot - go to nl 8e19. Try again.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630029 mossessian PHYSICS_OPERATOR Jun 30 2003 5:42:03:126PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fizzle. The same bounce as before, but this time it kills it.

Next shot - no startup changes. Turn off integral gain on SSEP and turn the proportional gain down to 3.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630030 mossessian PHYSICS_OPERATOR Jun 30 2003 5:49:49:626PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plasma. Not quite double null, but closer

Next shot - target nl to 5e19. SSEP from -3 to -2 mm
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1030630031 mossessian PHYSICS_OPERATOR Jun 30 2003 6:10:45:516PM
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plasma. Some oscillation between x-points as on 28, but weaker.


Session Leader Comments
Jun 30 2003 10:28:29:343AM1030630001Jerry HughesNo plasma
Jun 30 2003 10:38:58:160AM1030630002Jerry HughesCycle test, no power.
Jun 30 2003 11:01:34:877AM1030630003Jerry HughesPlasma, density very low. Getting sporadic edge measurements on the
order of 1e19.
Jun 30 2003 11:12:28:953AM1030630004Jerry HughesNo RF shot. Density at the correct level.
n_e(95)~2.5e19. n_e(sep)~1.5e19
T_e(95)~100eV. T_e(sep)~50eV
Jun 30 2003 11:49:55:487AM1030630005Jerry HughesRF went, something between 2 and 3 MW, though there are problems with their CPCI DAQ.
Density slightly higher than on last shot. Decent profiles, but could have better
edge YAG alignment.
L-mode:
n_e(95)~2.5e19. n_e(sep)~1.5e19
T_e(95)~100eV. T_e(sep)~50eV
H-mode:
ne_ped~1e20
Te_ped~400eV
Jun 30 2003 02:33:48:703PM1030630006Jerry HughesRF went, at some unknown value.
Density higher. Still need to get edge alignment
a little better
L-mode:
n_e(95)~4e19. n_e(sep)~2e19
T_e(95)~100eV. T_e(sep)~50eV
H-mode:
ne_ped~1-1.2e20
Te_ped~300-400eV
Jun 30 2003 12:06:42:487PM1030630007Jerry Hughesnl04 right at 6e19. Got the H-mode at 1s again, though it doesn't look very pretty.
There is very good agreement in the density measurements from ASP
and TS during the initial H-mode phase.
L-mode:
n_e(95)~4e19. n_e(sep)~2e19
T_e(sep)~50eV
H-mode:
ne_ped~1-1.2e20, Te_ped~200-300eV
Raise target ne on next shot.
Jun 30 2003 12:28:37:313PM1030630008Jerry Hughesnl04 right at 9e19. Got an EDA-ish H-mode at 1s.
L-mode:
n_e(95)~6-7e19. n_e(sep)~4-5e19
T_e(sep)~50eV
H-mode:
ne_ped~1.4-1.5e20
Te_ped~200-250eV
Jun 30 2003 12:31:12:673PM1030630009Jerry Hughesnl04 right at 9e19. Got an H-mode at 1s.
RF is still having problems. It can't be tuned properly.
Granetz insists there's no H-mode anyway.
L-mode:
n_e(95)~5-6e19. n_e(sep)~5e19
T_e(sep)~50eV
H-mode:
ne_ped~1.3-1.4e20
Te_ped~300eV
Jun 30 2003 12:44:13:063PM1030630010Jerry Hughesnl04 programming up to 1e20. Probably too high, leading to detachment.
RF seems to make it go away. Got an H-mode at 1.03s.
Only good Thomson profiles in L-mode before 0.6s and after 1.3s
H-mode:
ne_ped~1.5e20
Te_ped~200-300eV
Jun 30 2003 02:35:03:923PM1030630012Jerry Hughesnl04=1e20. Supressed MARFE-ing by increasing RF power to 1 MW
early in the discharge.
all L-mode, ne_sep~4-5e19, ne_95~6-7e19
Te_sep~40-50eV
Jun 30 2003 01:33:23:737PM1030630013Jerry Hughesnl04=1.15e20. P_RF~1.1MW from 0.7-1.5s. No MARFE.
all L-mode, ne_sep~5-6e19, ne_95~7-8e19
Te_sep~30-50eV. We'll push density higher on next shot.
Also asking for a little more RF power.
Jun 30 2003 01:50:05:533PM1030630014Jerry Hughesnl04 target was 1.3e20. Huge MARFE that lasts through most of
the discharge. Edge TS essentially useless.
No substantial RF was coupled, apparently.
Dmitri suggests a density ramp-up during the RF phase.
Jun 30 2003 02:35:55:110PM1030630015Jerry Hughesnl04 was ramped from 1-1.4e20. during RF at 1-1.2 MW.
MARFE avoided.
ne_95 climbed from 7-9e19, while Te_95 decreased.
Ask for a little more RF power on next shot.
Jun 30 2003 02:36:08:423PM1030630016Jerry HughesProgrammed same as last shot, but with P_RF ramping from 1.2-1.4MW
A good shot, except for the large MARFE from 0.56-.98. Got a decent
L-mode measurement after recovery, however. ne_95~8-9e19
Not quite a match with the H-mode pedestal n_e from shot 5, but close.
We'll raise the current to 800kA on the next shot.
Jun 30 2003 02:31:43:063PM1030630017Jerry HughesGood shot. RF tanked early on, but plasma, at an I_p of 800kA, did not detach.
L-mode all the way, with ne_95 in the range of .8-1e20.
This is the end of my portion of the run.
Jun 30 2003 02:45:44:987PM1030630018Brian LabombardFirst Shot of MP335 - SOL Flows...

Shot 18 - Fizzle, welcome to MP335

Jun 30 2003 03:13:22:093PM1030630019Brian LabombardShot 19 - ASP, FSP, ISP scanning at .8, 1.0, 1.2 s
SNL, NL04 = .85
FSP-WEST probe is failing (cable problem, I suspect)
ISP data look good.
ASP ok
Jun 30 2003 03:20:33:220PM1030630020Brian LabombardShot 20 - ASP, FSP, ISP scanning at .8, 1.0, 1.2 s
SNL, NL04 = .75, rising after NINJA puff
ISP data look good.
ASP ok
Jun 30 2003 03:29:39:050PM1030630021Brian LabombardShot 21 - ASP, FSP, ISP scanning at .8, 1.0, 1.2 s
SNL, NL04 = .7, rising after NINJA puff
ISP data look good.
ASP looks good
Still problem with FSP-WEST
Jun 30 2003 04:04:20:813PM1030630023Brian LabombardShot 23 - ASP, FSP, ISP scanning at .8, 1.0, 1.2 s
SNL, NL04 = .59, rising after NINJA puff
ISP data look good.
ASP looks good.

Next shot: Upper null
Jun 30 2003 04:14:30:800PM1030630024Brian LabombardShot 24 - ASP, FSP, ISP scanning at .8, 1.0, 1.2 s
SNU, NL04 = .53, rising after NINJA puff
ISP sees flow in opposite direction (towards upper divertor)
ASP sees same co-current flow as in SNL discharge.

Next shot: raise density
Jun 30 2003 04:33:23:127PM1030630025Brian LabombardShot 25 - ASP, FSP, ISP scanning at .8, 1.0, 1.2 s
SNU, NL04 = .63, rising after NINJA puff
again ISP sees flow in opposite direction (towards upper divertor)
again ASP sees same co-current flow as in SNL discharge.

Next shot: NL04=1
Jun 30 2003 04:45:12:563PM1030630026Brian LabombardShot 26 - ASP, FSP, ISP scanning at .8, 1.0, 1.2 s
SNU, NL04 = 1, rising after NINJA puff
ISP sees very strong flow towards upper divertor
ASP sees no flow.

Next shot: NL04=1.2
Jun 30 2003 05:03:56:643PM1030630027Brian LabombardShot 27 - ASP, FSP, ISP scanning at .8, 1.0, 1.2 s
SNU, NL04 = 1.2, rising ~1.4 after NINJA puff
ISP sees very strong flow towards upper divertor
ASP sees no flow.

Next shot: Go to Double Null, NL04 ~ 1
Jun 30 2003 05:25:00:783PM1030630028Brian LabombardShot 28 - ASP, FSP, ISP scanning at .8, 1.0, 1.2 s
DN, NL04 = 1. with density/MARFE oscillations to 1.3
ISP sees no flow
ASP sees co-current flow.

Next shot: Go to NL04 ~ 0.8
Jun 30 2003 05:54:49:690PM1030630030Brian LabombardShot 30 - ASP, FSP, ISP scanning at .8, 1.0, 1.2 s
DN, NL04 = .9
ISP sees some flows
ASP sees co-current flow.

Next shot: Go to NL04 ~ 0.6
Jun 30 2003 06:05:20:347PM1030630031Brian LabombardShot 31 - ASP, FSP, ISP scanning at .8, 1.0, 1.2 s
DN, NL04 = .6
ISP -> no flow
ASP sees co-current flow.

Physics Operator Comments
Jun 30 2003 09:57:23:330AMDmitri MossessianRun to be split between J.Hughes MP#342 "density pedestals" and completion
of B. LaBombard's MP#335 "edge plasma flows".

SL: Hughes, LaBombard
PO: Mossessian

Run starts at 10:00

ECDC in deuterium over the weekend

Power Systems as on 1030620001

Gas setup:
fill B-Top with 6 psi D2 Hybrid enabled (PG4)
fill B-side lower with 1 psi Ar Hybrid enabled (PG1)
fill B-side upper with 10 psi D2 Hybrid DISABLED (PG2) (for ECDC)
fill C-side with 30 psi D2 Hybrid enabled (PG3)


Enable the following gate valves, assuming no vacuum problems:
ECE, DNB, VUV

Run plans:

MP#342 Density pedestals in L-mode and H-mode plasmas

Purpose:

The objective of the experiment is to examine edge electron density
profiles in L-mode plasmas, and to compare with H-mode plasmas having
similar values of edge density. Of interest is the behavior of the
L-mode density profile as density is varied and the extent to
which the target L-mode profiles affect the subsequent H-mode
pedestal. SOL profile measurements from Thomson scattering will also
be systematically compared with probe scans near the machine midplane.

Plan:

All shots full length, single lower null discharges at 5.4T. Begin
by loading 1030530032, a 600kA shot with target nl04~4e19. 2-3MW flat
ICRF pulse should begin at 1.0s in order to trigger H-mode. ASP should
be scanned twice prior to RF turn-on, and once afterwards. Supplemental
scans of the FSP and ISP may be useful as well.

Target density will be scanned upward shot by shot in increments of
2e19. When satisfactory L-mode and H-mode profiles are obtained at
each target density, we will proceed to the next higher density. As
density becomes higher, we may require additional RF heating (1-2 MW)
during the L-mode phase (0.7--1.0s), in order to suppress edge cooling
and poloidal detachment. If this doesn't work, we may switch to 800kA
discharges in order to complete the high density portion of the scan.
Time permitting, shots with target densities in the 4-8e19 range
should be repeated at the higher current.


MP#335 - Edge plasma flows in upper verus lower x-point discharges

Purpose:
The primary purpose of these experiments is to investigate
the sensitivity of the magnitude and direction of the parallel plasma
flows (routinely observed in the edge plasma) to the magnetic
geometry, in particular upper, lower and double-null configurations.

Shot Plan:
Reload shot 1030619031, per Steve Wolfe's advice:
"...I recommend loading PCS from 1030619031 and changing the startup
in seg 1 to one that works. Segments 2, 3, and 4 in that shot are set
up for Lower Null, Upper Null and near-DN with SSEP control,
respectively, as called for in Brian's MP. The gaps in seg 2 and 3 were
tweaked up to
Brian's liking on that day; since we never got to the SSEP control part
of the run, segment 3 will need some equilibrium tweaking, but it was
taken from a shot that ran ok, and should be close to what he wants."

All shots are 0.8 MA, 5.3 tesla discharges.

Start with SNL
1,2 - NL04 = 0.8, SNL
3,4 - NL04 = 0.6, SNL

Switch to SNU
5,6 - NL04 = 0.6, SNU
7,8 - NL04 = 1.2, SNU

Switch to SNL
9,10 - NL04 = 1.2, SNL

Begin density scan in DN configuration.

Shot#11,12,13 - NL04 = 1.0, DN
Adjust SSEP for balanced double-null.
Tweak equilibrium and FSP/ASP/ISP target.

14,15 - NL04 = 0.8, DN
16,17 - NL04 = 0.6, DN
18,19 - NL04 = 1.2, DN
Jun 30 2003 10:17:19:393AM1030630001Dmitri MossessianLoaded 1030530032. Wanted to load segment 1 from more recent shot, but realized that startup was
much better on 1030530032 than on any of the recent shots. Left segment 1 as is.

Dud. No gas - most likely PLC fault.

Jun 30 2003 10:41:21:360AM1030630002Dmitri MossessianThis will be test cycle to check gas and TF.

Looks OK. gas is on.

Next shot - plasma attempt
Jun 30 2003 10:59:09:440AM1030630003Dmitri MossessianPlasma. Very low density. It turns out that nl04 feedback is OFF on the loaded shot.

Next shot - turn nl04 feedback back on.
Jun 30 2003 11:19:11:970AM1030630004Dmitri MossessianPlasma. Density is OK. No Rf on this one.

Next shot - repeat with RF.
Jun 30 2003 11:32:10:047AM1030630005Dmitri MossessianPlasma. H-mode. Startup is bad.

Next shot - drop prepuff 26 -> 23 ms to get faster current rise. Target nl up to 6e19
Jun 30 2003 11:48:00:173AM1030630006Dmitri MossessianPlasma. lowering gas did not help the startup.

Next shot - Bz up a little: IC_EF4 -1320 -> -1310. No other changes.
Jun 30 2003 12:02:42:330PM1030630007Dmitri MossessianPlasma. Bz still too low.

Next shot - RCUR down 0.66 -> 0.655 at 0.01 s. Target nl to 8e19
Jun 30 2003 12:15:07:673PM1030630008Dmitri MossessianPlasma. Last change in RCUR seemed to make startup woprse.

Next shot - RCUR up 0.655 -> 0.665 at 0.01 s. Ar up to 35 ms.
Jun 30 2003 12:28:19:690PM1030630009Dmitri MossessianPlasma. Startup is bad again.

Next shot - RCUR up 0.665 -> 0.67 at 0.01 s. Target nl to 1e20
Jun 30 2003 12:46:14:970PM1030630010Dmitri MossessianPlasma.

Next shot - RCUR up 0.67 -> 0.65 at 0.01 s.
Jun 30 2003 12:59:38:050PM1030630011Dmitri MossessianPlasma. All RCUR changes do not affect the quality of current rise, although plasma position
does seem to respond, but in a starnge way.

Next shot - RCUR back to 0.66 at 0.01 s. No other changes.
Jun 30 2003 01:14:39:237PM1030630012Dmitri MossessianPlasma. Stratup is good.

Next shot - target to 1.1e20
Jun 30 2003 01:30:23:703PM1030630013Dmitri MossessianPlasma.

Next shot - target to 1.3e20
Jun 30 2003 01:48:46:203PM1030630014Dmitri MossessianPlasma. Plasma detaches early at this density.

Next shot - do nl ramp from 1e20 to 1.4e20 from .6 sec when RF starts to 1.5 sec
Jun 30 2003 02:12:33:860PM1030630015Dmitri MossessianPlasma. Plasma with good density ramp

Next shot - repeat
Jun 30 2003 02:13:15:440PM1030630016Dmitri MossessianPlasma. Plasma. Large MARFE

Next shot - go to 800 kA current with the same density ramp
Jun 30 2003 02:46:23:487PM1030630017Dmitri MossessianPlasma. Nice density ramp with 0.8 MA

Next shot - load 1030619031. Load segment 1 from 1030630017 (last shot).
Jun 30 2003 02:47:30:923PM1030630018Dmitri MossessianFizzle. Bounces on the outside.

Next shot - Bz up: IC_EF4 -1310 -> -1300
Jun 30 2003 03:26:46:330PM1030630019Dmitri MossessianPlasma. Bounces but survives

Next shot - target nl down to 7e19
Jun 30 2003 03:27:18:580PM1030630020Dmitri MossessianPlasma.

Next shot - target to 6e19
Jun 30 2003 03:40:55:313PM1030630021Dmitri MossessianFizzle.

Next shot - no startup change. Left gap down 2 mm. 10 msec less of Ar
Jun 30 2003 03:54:57:890PM1030630022Dmitri MossessianPlasma.

Next shot - target to 5e19
Jun 30 2003 03:54:30:330PM1030630023Dmitri MossessianPlasma.

Next shot - switch to Segment 3, Upper null. Target nl to 5e20
Jun 30 2003 04:28:29:063PM1030630024Dmitri MossessianPlasma.

Next shot - Target nl to 6e19
Jun 30 2003 04:28:17:597PM1030630025Dmitri MossessianPlasma.

Next shot - Target nl to 1e20
Jun 30 2003 04:45:17:487PM1030630026Dmitri MossessianPlasma.

Next shot - Target nl to 1.2e20
Jun 30 2003 05:02:47:813PM1030630027Dmitri MossessianPlasma.

Next shot - switch to segment 4, double null. Target nl to 1e20
Jun 30 2003 05:30:28:970PM1030630028Dmitri MossessianPlasma. Oscillates between lower and upper null.

Next shot - go to nl 8e19. Try again.
Jun 30 2003 05:42:03:127PM1030630029Dmitri MossessianFizzle. The same bounce as before, but this time it kills it.

Next shot - no startup changes. Turn off integral gain on SSEP and turn the proportional gain down to 3.
Jun 30 2003 05:49:49:627PM1030630030Dmitri MossessianPlasma. Not quite double null, but closer

Next shot - target nl to 5e19. SSEP from -3 to -2 mm
Jun 30 2003 06:10:45:517PM1030630031Dmitri MossessianPlasma. Some oscillation between x-points as on 28, but weaker.

Engineering Operator Comments
ShotTimeTypeStatusComment
110:13:24:767AMPlasmaBadNO Gas, Bad TF Rogowski
210:36:01:313AMTestOkcamad test
310:45:19:907AMPlasmaOk
411:01:43:377AMPlasmaOk
511:19:33:517AMPlasmaOk
611:36:26:690AMPlasmaOk
711:52:17:487AMPlasmaOk
812:05:34:593PMPlasmaOk
912:18:48:440PMPlasmaOk
1012:34:17:360PMPlasmaOk
1112:52:16:313PMPlasmaOk
1201:05:49:843PMPlasmaOk
1301:23:31:440PMPlasmaOk
1401:39:22:300PMPlasmaOk
1501:52:44:813PMPlasmaOk
1602:06:56:487PMPlasmaOk
1702:24:52:050PMPlasmaOk
1802:39:30:110PMPlasmaOk
1902:52:35:093PMPlasmaOk
2003:07:35:470PMPlasmaOk
2103:20:59:377PMPlasmaOk
2203:34:17:377PMPlasmaOk
2303:47:20:610PMPlasmaOk
2404:02:04:250PMPlasmaOk
2504:21:57:750PMPlasmaOk
2604:37:02:173PMPlasmaOk
2704:56:09:550PMPlasmaOk
2805:09:21:300PMPlasmaOk
2905:27:14:517PMPlasmaOk
3005:43:03:737PMPlasmaOk
3105:56:00:517PMPlasmaOk