Center for Plasma Edge Simulation

The Center for Plasma Edge Simulation (CPES) is a SciDAC Fusion Simulation Prototype Center. The goal of this center is to develop a new integrated predictive plasma edge simulation package applicable to existing magnetic fusion facilities and next-generation burning plasma experiments, such as ITER. Timely progress on this scientific challenge demands a well-coordinated effort involving experts in plasma science, computer science, and applied mathematics. Plasmas in the edge region of large tokamaks are in a kinetic regime with complex geometry. Issues include (i) a large pedestal pressure gradient in a weak ion collisionality regime; (ii) a non-stationary spatially inhomogeneous loss boundary in velocity space coming from a magnetic separatrix; (iii) non-Maxwellian distribution functions; (iv) irregular wall geometry, and (v) interplay between neoclassical and turbulence physics. The microturbulence and neoclassical physics time scale must be studied kinetically, while the faster and larger scale MHD modes are more efficiently studied with a fluid code. A massively parallel edge turbulence PIC code will be developed to enable self-consistent investigations of electromagnetic microturbulence and neoclassical-neutral dynamics. As an end product, an integrated code framework to study the dynamical pedestal-ELM cycle will be developed by coupling the kinetic code with an existing two-fluid code using the most advanced computer science technologies. Routines from a state-of-the-art neutrals code will be integrated into the package providing a realistic kinetic neutral recycling physics capability, enhanced by the most advanced atomic physics data support. The project will take leveraged approach utilizing existing SciDAC codes, establishing proper integration and interface framework between them.

Institutions Involved

• California Institute of Technology
• Columbia University
• General Atomics
• Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
• Lehigh University
• MIT Plasma Science Fusion Center
• New York University
• Oak Ridge National Laboratory
• Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
• Rutgers University
• University of California-Irvine
• University of Colorado
• University of Tennessee-Knoxville
• University of Utah

Principal Investigator

C. S. Chang
Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University
cschang@cims.nyu.edu

Project Home Page