Development of a Use Case Database for Validation and Predictive Modeling in the AToM SciDAC Project

The AToM (Advanced Tokamak Modeling) integrated modeling SciDAC project [1] is developing a “use case” database to facilitate benchmarking, verification and validation studies of physics model components and workflows, with an initial focus on core turbulent transport. The first group of use cases included in this database corresponds to well-diagnosed tokamak discharges spanning a range of plasma parameters and confinement modes. A second group of use cases corresponding to a variety of possible future burning plasma experiments is also included in the database. Put together, the database allows assessment of current model fidelity for existing experiments, and systematic comparisons of model predictions for future plasmas of interest. A variety of initial applications will be shown, including comparisons of core profile predictions made using the TGLF “SAT-0” [2] and “SAT-1” [3] models. Future plans including gyrokinetic studies, validation metric development, and extensions to the database to support physics studies beyond core transport will be discussed.

[1] https://scidac.github.io/atom/

[2] G. M. Staebler et al., Phys. Plasmas 23 0625108 (2016)

[3] G. M. Staebler et al., Phys. Plasmas 14 055909 (2007)