Systematic comparison of a theory-based transport model with a multi-tokamak profile database

A theoretical model of flux-surface-averaged radial transport in tokamaks has been tested and calibrated against a well-documented set of temperature and density profiles from a pre-defined set of discharges from seven tokamaks. The transport theory includes neoclassical, drift/n_i, circulating electron mode, kinetic ballooning, neoclassical MHD, and resistive ballooning effects. Allowing for no explicitly adjustable free parameters, the nominal theory results are compared with experimental density and temperature profiles from the reference set of discharges from Alcator-C, ASDEX, ISX-B, TFTR, DIII-D, and JET. Profile results are also given for an additional set of six discharges including Alcator-C, ASDEX, DIII-D, TFTR, JET, and JFT-2M in addition to five TFTR discharges as part of a ρ_* and β scan. Employed is a statistical model of calibration/modeling and measurement variances allowing detailed analysis of results and further calibration of the model along with a well defined procedure for setting the time dependent boundary conditions at an appropriate location just inside the inner-most "closed" magnetic flux surface.