EUROfusion-theory and advanced simulation coordination (E-TASC): programme and the role of high performance computing

The paper is a written summary of an overview oral presentation given at the 1st Spanish Fusion HPC Workshop that took place on the 27th November 2020 as an online event. Given that over the next few years ITER will move to its operation phase and the European-DEMO design will be significantly advanced, the EUROfusion consortium has initiated a coordination effort in theory and advanced simulation to address some of the challenges of the fusion research in Horizon EUROPE (2021-2027), i.e. the next EU Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development. This initiative has been called E-TASC that stands for EUROfusion-Theory and Advanced Simulation Coordination. The general and guiding principles of E-TASC are summarized in the paper. In addition, an overview of the scientific results obtained in a pilot phase (2019-2020) of E-TASC are provided while highlighting the importance of the required progress in computational methods and HPC techniques. In the initial phase, five pilot theory and simulation tasks were initiated: 1. Towards a validated predictive capability of the L-H transition and pedestal physics; 2. Electron runaway in tokamak disruptions in the presence of massive material injection; 3. Fast code for the calculation of neoclassical toroidal viscosity in stellarators and tokamaks; 4. Development of a neutral gas kinetics modular code; 5. European edge and boundary code for reactor-relevant devices. In this paper we report on recent progress made by each of these projects.</p

Plasma Diagnostics

For proper operation of the tokamak, the active and simultaneous control of many plasma parameters is needed. This implies that new robust and failsafe diagnostic techniques need to be developed, for instance to control the temperature, density and current density profiles. Progress in plasma diagnostics is on the one hand dictated by the desire to understand the detailed physical processes occurring in the plasma and on the other hand by the wish to actively control many important plasma parameters. An additional driver for diagnostic innovation comes from the requirement for better machine protection systems. https://fusenet.eu/book/fundamentals-of-magnetic-fusion-technology</p

Introduction Special Issue on European Programme towards DEMO: Outcome of the Pre-Conceptual Design Phase

One of the main EU fusion roadmap objectives [1] is to develop a Demonstration Fusion Power Plant (DEMO), following ITER and due to come into operation after the middle of this century. This is currently viewed as one of the final crucial steps towards the exploitation of fusion power, not only in Europe but also by many of the nations engaged in the ITER construction.<br/