Simple Parametric Model for Calculation of Lateral Electromagnetic Loads in Tokamaks at Asymmetric Vertical Displacement Events (AVDE)

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Recomendations:

1. By definition, the abstract should be a short list of the original results achieved, indicating scientific, applied or other significance (if any). The verbosity of the annotation indicates, as a rule, the absence of significant achievements in the work, which the authors cover up with streams of words. From the presented annotation, it can only be understood that the authors have developed simplified models of some processes occurring in plasma. What is the need for these developments, how will they be used, what benefit will be obtained? It would be nice to mention this more clearly in the introduction.

2. Is it possible to include simplified models in the current feedback system, when the measured parameters can be quickly corrected in real time to the corresponding characteristics of the tokamak that can be adjusted, and avoid undesirable consequences of the development of events? A few words about this scheme would be useful for readers.

3. The authors compared their two models with each other. Why is it impossible to make the same comparison with the models of other authors? This would be interesting and would give some completeness and thoroughness to the article.

This paper is well enough written to understand main results. The manuscript seems to be suitable for publication. I am therefore convinced that such a work corresponds to the content of the "Plasma Sciences" and can be published there after minor mentioned corrections.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer, 
Thank you for all your comments and advices.  I agree on all, revised text accordingly and communicated with co-authors.  Specifically: 
1. I compressed the Abstract with a deep re-writing, to make it more informative on new concept and new model introduced by- and explored in this article.  This comment has helped a lot.  
2. I added the missing earlier info that this work was performed as a step toward of development of Tokamak Monitoring algorithms, and has perspective to be used in Tokamak Simulator.  I cannot say "for real time control" since AVDE is in principle uncontrollable process, but Tokamak Monitoring system will do the best to deliver concise information and possible warnings on AVDE loads (via reconstruction algorithms based on sensor data) to the Tokamak Operator, and to archive it for deeper studies.   
3. I added comparison with outcomes of other reports in terms of net lateral forces, but we are not aware of reports which show peak lateral torques for ITER-scale device. I explained this reason and highlighted that lateral torques shall be always reported. 
4. I also made multiple refinements along comments of another reviewer, so you will see text refined in several other places too. 
5. If I properly understood re-submission instructions, I shall not upload the revised text in a pack with these answers, but shall wait for further instructions from the editor. So, I will wait. 
Thank you again for all comments, and best regards. 

Reviewer 2 Report

This manuscript describes relatively simple electromagnetic (EM) model for calculation of lateral EM loads in tokamaks in a course of asymmetric plasma vertical displacement events (AVDE). I have several suggestions/corrections, which I would like the authors to address:

1. Abstract is too long, and there is no Keywords. 

2. Pages 7 and 8 - specify all parameters in Equations after first appearance. 

3. Please indicate Tables titles. 

4. What is the New in Your models compared to known EM models? 

Please provide the accuracy of the developed numerical model? 

5. P. 8 contains the finite elements MESH. 

What about number of nodes/cells, and size of the cell? 

6. P. 11 "in numerical models." Do you mean Your own numerical models or developed early? 

Write short description. 

7. Section 6 calls "Two supplementary numerical models..." 

Where are numerical models themselves? 

8. P. 15 ".. 4 models..."

Add and explain third and fourth models.

9. There are too many self-citations (5/9)!!!

Use References, regarding to this topic, example gratia:

Atanasiu, C.V., Zakharov, L.E., Li, X. Simulation of disruptions triggered by Vertical Displacement Events (VDE) in tokamak and leading edge effect in plasma energy deposition to material surfaces, Journal of Physics: Conference Series 1391(1), 012123 (2019).

Serikov, A., Bertalot, L., Clough, M., Fischer, U., Suarez, A. Neutronics analysis for ITER cable looms Fusion Engineering and Design 96-97, с. 943-947 (2015).

Your manuscript could be accepted for publication should you be prepared to incorporate moderate revisions.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,   
I appreciate all your comments, agree on all, and revised text accordingly. This helped improve not only in the commented points but all text through.  Answers point by point: 

1. Abstract is too long, and there is no Keywords.
   - Agree. I compressed the abstract with a deep re-wording.    Now it sounds pretty different.  This has helped a lot.  
2. Pages 7 and 8 - specify all parameters in Equations after first appearance.
   - Agree. I specified all parameters at first appearance and     also refined the text around equations.
3. Please indicate Tables titles.
   - The Tables titles were in place (above the Tables)
      but perhaps looked as plain text.  I refined them
      and put in different font. 
4. What is the New in Your models compared to known EM models?
   - Thanks a lot for this fresh-eye comment. I added words on  what is new and what is old in the Introduction, in relevant 
   chapters and in Conclusions. The entire text is clearer now.

4.A. Please provide the accuracy of the developed numerical model?  
    - Agreed. I added comparisons / expanded considerations
       on accuracy in two ways: 
      One by mutual comparison of outcomes of 4 models,
      and another – by comparison with values in other reports. 
      At this point, I added comparison in terms  of lateral forces,
      but unfortunately not aware on reports delivering lateral 
      torque for ITER-scale machines...
       I explained this and highlighted needs to report torques.  

5. P. 8 contains the finite elements MESH.
   What about number of nodes/cells, and size of the cell?
       - Agreed. I added description of the mesh, with specific
   dimensions of FE, then referred the code (CARRIDI) and 
   even the computational time on this mesh.
6. P. 11 "in numerical models."
   Do you mean Your own numerical models or developed
   early? Write short description.
      - Agreed. I added words on what is new and what is old.
        I added this in a few places, not only on this page.
7. Section 6 calls "Two supplementary numerical models..."
    Where are numerical models themselves?
       - Thank you for this “fresh eye” comment: The text was
   really unclear on this. I clarified the text in several places,
   and repeated in figure captions.  In short words, Fig. 4
   shows full FE model universal for all 4 AVDE models,
   and few other figures do zoom-in to only variants of
   bridges for halo currents.  
8. P. 15 ".. 4 models..." Add and explain third and fourth models.
   - Agreed. Explained in the text and in figures captions.
9. There are too many self-citations (5/9)!!!
   - Agreed  I added two more references,
       and relevant sentences in the text.

Thank you again for all comments. I took all, and
they helped to make the article much more clear. 
If I properly understood editor's instructions,
I shall not attach the refined text to these answers,
but wait for further instructions.  So I will wait.  
Best regards.