New high performance computing software for multiphysics simulations of fusion reactors

摘要

Integrated modelling is an important element of tokamak fusion research. It contributes to the interpretation and planning of experiments, validation of theory against experimental results, development of plasma control techniques as well as the design of next step devices. Large efforts continue to be devoted to the integrated modelling of plasma physics effects in a fusion reactor core and have led to significant progress in physics understanding, while tools to model multiphysics phenomena taking place in fusion reactor components such as tritium breeding blankets have not yet reached a similar level of detail and completeness. We are developing a new high performance computing tool for simulating the latter effects. It is based a parallel computational mechanics code Alya which is specially designed for running with high efficiency standards in large scale supercomputers and is capable of solving different physics problems in a coupled way. As first step towards multiphysics simulations of fusion reactor components, we are developing a new neutron transport module based on the deterministic approach for coupling with the existing, implemented physics modules in Alya. This module, together with existing physics implemented in Alya will allow to solve future high fidelity multiphysics and multiscale problems. We present the capabilities of the Alya system and the latest version of the new neutron transport module currently under development.