Virtual Diagnostics Toolset for Tokamak Simulations

79105S As plasma modeling and simulation become mature, virtual diagnostics can become an option for tokamak research in the fusion energy program. A virtual diagnostics toolset that allows direct comparison of numerical simulation with tokamak measurements would provide an invaluable tool for thorough understanding of tokamak plasmas and further define future necessary diagnostics. This project will develop a universal toolset for these comparisons. The kit will provide for the detailed geometry and characteristics of each experimental diagnostic and will allow the utilization of the various equilibrium, stability and transport codes in the fusion community. During Phase I, a virtual soft X-ray diagnostic will be created, using existing equilibrium and stability codes. As proof-of-principle of virtual diagnostic toolset, the virtual soft X-ray signals for several DIII-D discharges will be compared with the experimental data. The virtual data will be stored in MDSplus, which is becoming a standard fusion database. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The virtual diagnostics toolkit should benefit every tokamak facility, as well as fusion scientists around the world. The methodology also should be applicable to other plasma experiments such as Spherical Tokamaks, National Spherical Torus Experiment, Stellerators, Reversed Field Pinches, and the Field Reversed Configuration.