Estimated RF sheath power fluxes on ITER plasma facing components

Using numerical simulation, a first estimate is made of power fluxes caused by radio-frequency sheaths on plasma facing components surrounding the ITER Ion Cyclotron Range of Frequencies wave launcher. Three toroidal strap phasings were considered, and four plasma scenarios covering a broad range of Scrape-Off Layer densities. Parallel heat fluxes up to ∼16 MW/m2 are obtained, localized in poloidal peaks whose radial extension (initially 4–35 mm) increases when nearby flux tubes are coupled by exchanging RF currents. Quantitative results strongly depend on the local density, both via the unperturbed input profiles and via subsequent RF-induced modifications by E × B0 convection. Sources of uncertainty and aspects requiring further validation are identified.