Framework for Modernization and Componentization of Fusion Modules

Hundreds of person-years are invested in established fusion codes, providing scientists with invaluable physics insights. Many of these codes are being and will be used in integrated modeling efforts required for the successful operation of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). However, each such effort is concerned primarily with new physics and pays relatively low attention to interoperability of the developed components. Because fusion scientists need to ensure that these various codes can work interchangeably, this project will develop a componentization framework (as opposed to a coupling framework) that will contain a set of common interfaces for coupling commonly used types of fusion codes (including equilibrium, stability and transport). The interfaces will be developed in consensus with several teams involved in integrated modeling, and the components will work interchangeably in multiple coupling frameworks, such as SWIM and CPES. In Phase I, the compatibility of the standards of the National Transport Code Collaboration (NTCC) ¿ which consists of modules extracted from established fusion codes ¿ were analyzed, and an approach to the modernization and componentization of several NTCC transport modules and solvers was developed. Phase II will: (1) extend the effort to the modernization of fusion modules used in ongoing and emerging modeling projects, (2) define common interfaces and data structures for seamless data exchange between equilibrium codes, stability codes, transport models, and transport solvers; (3) implement a representative set of components created out of the modules; and (4) develop a comprehensive suite of tests for transport solvers. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The componentization framework should facilitate the incorporation of well-established scientific codes into modern, high-performance computational environments. This system should find use in many areas of scientific research and in commercial sectors using multiple legacy codes