Schema-Based Environment for Configuring, Analyzing and Documenting Integrated Fusion Simulations

Integrated simulations of the components of fusion systems are becoming a reality and form a foundation of full fusion device modeling. Unfortunately, current simulation tools lack user-friendly configuration methods to set global options, configure components, specify inputs and outputs, impose constraints, and prepare documentation. A means to perform sensitivity analysis with respect to initial conditions and multiple options also is required. This project will develop technology to (1) impose constraints on simulation configurations and validate them against an XML schema, (2) visualize and edit configurations through a cross-platform GUI, (3) document configurations, (4) and couple simulations with a component for sensitivity analysis and optimization. Phase I will develop a prototype using the Legacy Computing Markup Language and the Dakota analysis tool. Phase II, will extend the software framework and add advanced comparative visualization for sensitivity analysis. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: In addition to fusion-related projects such as the upcoming Fusion Simulation Project and Integrated Tokamak Modeling for ITER, the new software tools should be applicable to multiple component-based scientific and industrial efforts: Earth Science Modeling Framework, Global Nuclear Energy Partnership, climate modeling, automotive and aerospace engineering, and other projects that need to integrate multiple software components.