Status and plan of fusion plasma simulation research in NFRI

A brief overview is presented on the research status and plan of fusion plasma simulation in NFRI (National Fusion Research Institute), which is mainly being performed for the experimental data analysis and modeling for KSTAR through domestic and international collaborations. A strong effort is first being put on the pedestal area, in relation to the H-mode and ELM control experiments in KSTAR. Particularly, a predictive calculation of KSTAR pedestal structure by the EPED model, a benchmark nonlinear simulation of ELM behavior, and the calculation of RMP (resonant magnetic perturbation) field with plasma response in pedestal are being carried out using ELITE, M3D, NIMROD, XGC0 codes. In addition, a more detailed simulation study of L-H transition trigger and pedestal build-up process is also being made. For the MHD stability area, a simulation study using the NIMROD code is underway to see the effect of energetic electrons and ions on the internal MHD modes. Also, disruption simulation is being performed of KSTAR device model using the TSC code. For the operation scenario area, a predictive simulation using the ASTRA and JINTRAC codes is being made of some target modes for KSTAR and ITER. For the divertor/SOL area, simulation work has started to model the transport of plasma and neutral and also the plasma-wall interaction in KSTAR divertor geometry using the SOLPS and ERO codes. Finally, for the turbulent transport area an extensive simulation study is being done using the gyrokinetic and gyrofluid codes, such as gKPSP, GYSELA, TRB, BOUT++ etc. Also, substantial effort is being made to develop a full-f gyrokinetic code using semi-Lagrangian method and to upgrade the BOUT++ to a global gyrofluid code, which can simulate the whole plasma region from core to edge. (author)