CAD-centric Computational Management System for a Virtual TBM

This project will develop a Virtual Test Blanket Module (VTBM) computational system to address the need in contemporary fusion research for modeling the integrated behavior of blanket, divertor, and plasma facing components in a fusion environment. The VTBM will include such physical phenomena as fluid flow, heat transfer, mass transfer, neutronics, structural mechanics, and electromagnetics. The approach will integrate computer codes from various technical areas with accurate and efficient interfaces, and will include the development of solution visualization techniques and an intelligent graphical user interface. Phase I will demonstrate a unified data flow system that will enable storage and transfer of simulation data across heterogeneous software, extend an existing CAD-based geometry-creation utility to perform data interpolation based on CAD instead of computational mesh, and design and perform a preliminary implementation of a visualization module for the post¬processing of VTBM data. In Phase II, these software segments will be demonstrated and validated on a test problem. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: An integrated, multi-physical, CAD-centric computing capability would address a contemporary need in the fusion community and could lead directly into product development in collaboration with members of the manufacturing sector.