Simulation of Joint European Torus beta scan experiments using theory-based models

Transport modeling of beta (β) scaling experiments performed in the Joint European Torus (JET) [P. H. Rebut et al., Nucl. Fusion 25 1011 (1985)] is presented. Two theory-based models are used: the Weiland model [F. D. Halpern et al., Phys. Plasmas 15, 012304 (2008)] and the gyro-Landau-fluid model GLF23 [J. E. Kinsey et al., Phys. Plasmas 12, 062302 (2005)]. First, the β dependence of energy transport in each model is illustrated by running them stand-alone with imposed plasma profiles obtained in JET β scaling experiments. Both models show a stabilization of ion temperature gradient modes with increasing β up to a critical β value for which ballooning modes become unstable, leading to a strong degradation of the core confinement. Second, the models are used in predictive simulations of heat transport in order to test the capability of the models to reproduce experimental results. A good agreement between the Weiland model and experimental results is found, but the model sensitivity to dimensionless param...