Research Codes

Many of the problems need computational solutions.

Neutral Transport

Neutral transport modeling elucidates the interactions between the plasma and neutral atoms and molecules, which are generated via “recycling” with the plasma. The neutral particles cool and slow the plasma, and the light emitted by the atoms yields important information about the local plasma characteristics.

Magnetohydrodynamics

Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) is the study of the macroscopic forces that govern plasmas. Theoretical and numerical calculations determine the equilibrium state, the linear stability, and the nonlinear time evolution; for both “ideal” plasmas, with perfectly-nested flux surfaces, and for “resistive” plasmas, with magnetic islands and chaos.

Nonlinear Dynamics

Nonlinear dynamical systems may be deterministic but may also possess trajectories highly sensitive to the initial conditions, popularly referred to as the “butterfly effect”. Nonlinear dynamical systems theory plays an important role in many areas of plasma dynamics; for example, error fields and three-dimensional shaping of the magnetic field can lead to magnetic field lines with chaotic trajectories, which degrade plasma confinement.

Basic Plasma Physics

Basic plasma physics is the exploratory study of elementary plasma phenomena. Theoretical and computational investigations, guided and validated by experimental observations, lead to new approaches for understanding plasma dynamics; with direct, practical applications across the spectrum of plasma physics investigations.

Turbulence & Transport

Transport governs how a system in thermodynamical non-equilibrium evolves in time towards an equilibrium state. This involves both microscopic processes , such as collisions between particles, and macroscopic flows , as seen in turbulence. The theoretical foundation of transport theory is the kinetic theory of gases.

Advanced Computing

Advanced computation is increasingly important for all areas of scientific investigation. Scientists from the Computational Plasma Physics Group (CPPG) work in close collaboration with research physicists to develop and implement modern computational techniques and optimizations, including advanced visualization, on the world's foremost supercomputers.

Energetic Particles

Energetic particle research is required for understanding “burning” plasma performance. The Theory Department at has played a leading role in energetic particle research since its initiation in the 1980s and can provide reliable predictions for future burning plasma fusion experiments.

Helio & Astro Plasmas

Plasmas are present in the solar system, both in the sun and the heliopause, and Theory Department scientists investigate reconnection, kinetic effects, wave-particle interactions, and turbulence.

SciDACS

Science Discovery through Advanced Computing