Fusion Laboratory - PHY00006M
- Department: Physics
- Credit value: 30 credits
- Credit level: M
- Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Autumn Term 2022-23 to Spring Term 2022-23 |
Module aims
A basic knowledge of the diagnostics, the type of data, and data analysis methods needed to interpret a magnetic and inertial confinement fusion experiment is provided. The basic diagnostics are a range of neutron, X-ray, magnetic field, and optical detectors that give spatially and/or temporally resolved measurements of a fusion experiment.
An introduction to the computer simulation of plasmas is obtained. The series of lectures in the first term gives a theoretical foundation for the techniques that will be practised in the laboratory in the second term. Students will learn about both continuum (fluid) and discrete (particle) techniques, and identify which techniques are appropriate for a variety of specific problems. During the first term students will gradually write a continuum code, submitting a minor project report at the end of the first term. In the second term computational laboratory, students will use a particle-in-cell code for their major project.
Module learning outcomes
At the end of this module successful students will be able to:
- Programme in Python and other computer languages
- Present scientific research in different formats
- Outline diagnostic methodologies
- Determine appropriate software tool(s) for analysis
- Explain how different methodologies complement each other in providing a comprehensive description of an experiment
- Apply advanced analysis techniques to experimental data
- Determine limits of diagnostic techniques, including identifying spurious artefacts in data
- Calculate key plasma parameters from raw data.
- Distinguish between the following types of computational systems and identify which is relevant in a given scenario: linear vs nonlinear, initial value vs boundary value, particle vs continuum and fluid vs kinetic.
- Describe the following computational algorithms: finite difference & flux conservative interpolations, Eulerian & Lagrangian grids and macroparticles with mean fields
- Discuss the physical origin and numerical implementation of a collision operator
- Write and apply a plasma particle-in-cell simulation code.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 13 |
| Essay/coursework | 17 |
| Essay/coursework | 17 |
| Essay/coursework | 17 |
| Essay/coursework | 19 |
| Practical | 17 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 13 |
| Essay/coursework | 17 |
| Essay/coursework | 17 |
| Essay/coursework | 17 |
| Essay/coursework | 19 |
| Practical | 17 |
Module feedback
Our policy on how you receive feedback for formative and summative purposes is contained in our Department Handbook.
Indicative reading
IH Hutchinson Principles of Plasma diagnostics, Cambridge 2001
MAST Wiki
Toshiki Tajima, Computational Plasma Physics: With Applications to Fusion and Astrophysics (Westview Press 2004)
C. K. Birdsall and A. B. Langdon, Plasma Physics Via Computer Simulation (IoP 1991)
A. Iserles, A First Course in the Numerical Analysis of Differential Equations (CUP 1996)