Modelling the path to Q = 10 in the ITER 15MA baseline scenario with JINTRAC
One of the main objectives of the ITER experiment is to demonstrate stable operation with a scientific fusion Q ~ 10 for up to 500 s. The ITER 5.3T/15MA DT-plasma scenario is designed for this purpose. Operation of the full pulse consists of several non-trivial steps. The paper considers specifically the challenges of ramp-up and flat-top operation, which include optimisation of the fuelling parameters, control of divertor power loads, power losses by impurity radiation, MHD stability, and the challenges of entering and maintaining H-mode confinement. All these aspects are studied using integrated core, edge, SOL and divertor modelling with JINTRAC, which is unique in this modelling capability. The simulations follow the transport of deuterium and tritium separately in the whole plasma volume, which has not been done in previous JINTRAC modelling of the same scenario. This allows for rigorous study of asymmetrical fuelling requirements for reaching and maintaining a 50/50 DT mix in the core with minimal tritium consumption.