Exploration of ITER Steady-State Scenarios Using FASTRAN/IPS Integrated Transport Modeling

ITER steady-state (SS) scenarios are examined using an iterative steady-state ($d/dt=0$) solution procedure using FASTRAN solver implemented in Integrated Plasma Simulator framework, self-consistently with heating and current drive (H\&{CD}), MHD equilibrium, and transport models. The objective of the exercise is to understand the range of steady-state solutions using theory-based transport models with the ITER Day-1 H\&{CD} and proposed upgrades (EC launcher modifications). ITER operation performances (fusion gain $Q$ and noninductive fraction $f_{NI}$ and steady burn duration) are compared using different transport models (TGLF, GLF23, CDBM, MMM7.1) based on the edge profiles scaled from recent DIII-D ITER Steady State Demo discharges as well as from the existing pedestal models (EPED). Sensitivities of the operation spaces are studied using different density peaking and plasma current. Reducing $I_p$ increases achievable $f_{NI}$ while peaking density increases $Q$ but limited by MHD stability. Optimization of Day-1 H\&CD mixes is discussed toward the ITER goal ($Q=5$ and $f_{NI}=1$ for 3000~s).