Boundary layer physics considerations for the TEXTOR dynamic ergodic divertor experiment

The proposed arrangement of the TEXTOR dynamic ergodic divertor coils is quite different from that of previous stochastic boundary layer experiments. These coils are located on the high field side and have continuous helical windings. The basic resonant magnetic field line structure is not substantially affected by the location of the perturbation coils but the non-resonant near field effects, such as those related to helical divertor effects and the interaction of the near field with the stochastic layer, are different. Differences with the TORE SUPRA ergodic divertor coils are discussed. Based on these differences we expect that the plasma positioning will play an important role in: (i) the onset of MARFE's; (ii) the impurity screening efficiency; (iii) the onset of disruptions; and (iii) the transport properties of the boundary layer plasma. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.