H mode power threshold database for ITER

The ITER Threshold Database, which at present comprises data from nine divertor tokamaks, is described. The main results are presented and discussed. The properties and dependences of the power threshold in individual devices are reviewed. In particular, the analysis shows a rather general linear dependence on magnetic field, but a non-monotonic density dependence that varies from device to device. Investigation of the combined database suggests that the threshold dependence P_thres approximately=0.3n_eB_T^2.5 shows reasonable agreement with the data. This expression yields P_thres approximately=150 MW at a density of 0.5*10²⁰ m^-3 for ITER. Other expressions with weaker size dependence, and therefore lower threshold power for ITER, are also discussed. Their agreement with the present data is poorer than that of the above expression. In addition, the database is investigated by statistical discriminant analysis. The edge data included at present are described and discussed. Finally, there is a discussion of the implications of the results for ITER