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Research

Research

The PSI-Center's primary objective is to develop predictive capability for "EC-level" experiments, so that one can design and model new experiments in fusion science and in other areas of plasma science, but without actual construction.

PSI-Center Code Development

The PSI-Center is concentrating its efforts on two major extended MHD codes, NIMROD (Non Ideal Magnetohydrodynamics with Rotation, Open Discussion) and the 3D high order finite (spectral) element code framework HiFi, as well as other developmental/testing codes.

Fieldline post-processing of NIMROD HIT-SI simulations (by Dr. V. A. Izzo). Interfacing Group >>

The Interfacing Group lead the PSI-Center's interactions with the participating experimental groups. In coordination with the collaborating experiments, the best applicable code and equations to be solved are selected. Interfaces to code output are developed, and continually refined for data presentation and analysis packages. The Interfacing Group also performs ICC experiment outreach and information dissemination.

Prof. Brian A. Nelson, Dr. Charlson Kim, Susan Griffith

 

NIMROD Simulation of FRC TranslationFLR and Kinetic Effects Group

The FLR and Kinetic Effects Group works on kinetic and FLR effects, primarily focusing on adding the physics needed for modeling field-reversed configurations (FRCs) with 3D codes. Energetic particles are simulated using a σƒ particle-in-cell (PIC) model. Time-dependant boundary conditions have been implemented in NIMROD to accurately simulate the external coils used in theta-pinch formation, translation, compression, and RMF current drive experiments.

Dr. Richard Milroy, Dr. Charlson Kim

 

Isotropic Thermal ConductionBoundary Conditions and Geometry Group

The Boundary Conditions and Geometry Group works on precise geometry, realistic boundary conditions, atomic physics, neutrals, and radiation. They work on the development of the SEL/HiFi code to accurately model the complex geometry of many IC experiments.

Prof. Uri Shumlak, Dr. George Marklin

 

B-field streamlines and pressure pseudocolor values at two different times mid-way through spheromak rotation and relaxationTwo-Fluid Transport Group

The Two-Fluid, MHD Transport, and Relaxation Group works on two-fluid/Hall, relaxation/reconnection, and MHD transport. They develop capabilities for modeling 3D dynamics in plasmas that are either collisional or in transition to low-collisionality behavior. These tasks build upon the mature MHD algorithms and Hall-MHD algorithms in the NIMROD code to produce self-consistent two-fluid simulation models for the lower-temperature plasmas found in ICC experiments. 

Prof. Carl R. Sovinec, Prof. Eric D. Held, Jeong-Young Ji