Thermonuclear fusion: predicting complex nonlinear phenomena in fusion plasmas

Research Project, 2018 –

The main aim of the present project is to provide theoretical support to the ITER programme, for the realisation of thermonuclear fusion as a clean, safe and sustainable energy source. In this context, an increased international and coordinated effort is being undertaken on understanding and predicting complex nonlinear phenomena in fusion plasmas. In particular, the characterization and control of plasma turbulence and transport mechanisms of heat and particles
is a critical issue for ITER. The proposed project is performed as part of a contract between CCFE (Culham Centre for Fusion Energy, UK) and F4E (Fusion for Energy, the European Union’s Joint Undertaking for ITER and the Development of Fusion Energy). The main applicants of this proposal, Hans Nordman and Pär Strand, Chalmers, are subcontracted by CCFE for the theoretical work on turbulent transport using the transport model developed at Chalmers,
EDWM (Extended Drift Wave Model), the model chosen by CCFE for this project. The ultimate goal of the project is to develop a full scenario for ITER, including heating of the plasma, fueling
and impurity seeding, to see how to produce the optimum Deuterium-Tritium mixture for maximum fusion power production in ITER. This will include further developments of the EDWM model and simulations of core transport effects of the different main plasma species (H, He, DD, DT) and impurities present in ITER plasmas.