Overview of Research in the SciDAC-5 Partnership for Advanced Simulation of RF - Plasma - Material Interactions

Radio-frequency (RF) actuators are expected to play a crucial role in future fusion power plants. The primary challenge associated with the use of RF actuators in all frequency ranges is the interaction with the scrape-off layer (SOL) plasma and plasma-facing components. The research carried out in this Center leverages high performance computing resources and expertise in mathematics and scientific computing provided by researchers from the ASCR community. A comprehensive suite of high-fidelity simulation tools is being developed that integrates RF-material interactions, realistic antenna structure and first-wall components, and RF wave physics across different regions. This includes examining relevant phenomena such as RF-sheath wall erosion, impurity production and transport, and RF wave propagation and power deposition in the SOL, plasma edge, and hot core regions. Our tools comprise both high-fidelity and reduced RF and material models with varying levels of physics fidelity, including machine learning-based models, that can be integrated into a Whole Facility Model.