Magnetic fusion computing: A personal retrospective view
Abstract
The association of computing with magnetic fusion research has a history of more than 30 years. Then, as now, the mathematical complexity of describing plasma phenomena has made the computer an indispensable tool in extending the theory. Our first area of application addressed fluid MHD models to represent ideal and resistive plasmas as well as equilibria. A second equally important area of research was in the solution of kinetic plasma models. Both Vlasov and Fokker-Planck models have been solved in the codes we developed, the latter allowing us to make realistic estimates of the transport of heat and particles in reacting fusion plasmas. The critical importance of computing to plasma physics research led us to the development of the dedicated computing facilities at NERSC (National Energy Research Supercomputer Center, Livermore). Aspects of these theoretical and institutional developments will be presented in a historical retrospective view.
- Publication:
-
Presented at the Joint Varenna-Lausanne International Workshop on Theory of Fusion Plasmas
- Pub Date:
- August 1992
- Bibcode:
- 1992tfp..work...24K
- Keywords:
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- Computerized Simulation;
- Controlled Fusion;
- Heat Transfer;
- Histories;
- Magnetohydrodynamics;
- Numerical Analysis;
- Plasma Physics;
- Boltzmann-Vlasov Equation;
- Charged Particles;
- Energy Technology;
- Fokker-Planck Equation;
- Supercomputers;
- Plasma Physics