You are here
» News & events » Events » Mini-course/workshop on the application of computational mathematics to plasma physicsMini-course/workshop on the application of computational mathematics to plasma physics
Plasma is the “fourth state of matter", consisting of electrons and ions that are not bonded to each other. Plasma physics studies the collective behaviour of plasmas and their interaction with electromagnetic field and gravity, and has a wide range of applications such as controlled fusion, space propulsion, astrophysics, solar physics and material processing. Numerical solution and simulation play a key role in plasma physics, especially for complicated geometry and highly nonlinear processes.
Computational mathematics is deeply embedded in plasma simulations, as the equations of interest are often high dimensional, nonlinear and sometimes singular. This event aims to promote communications between computational mathematicians and plasma physicists, to seek solutions to the long-standing difficulties in computational plasma physics, and identify applications for newly developed algorithms and computational techniques.
This event is part of the MSI Special Year 2019 in Computational Mathematics.
June 24-25: Mini-Course
The mini-course is intended to familiarise the students and staffs in both computational mathematics and plasma physics with numerical methods relevant to the workshop. It is also helpful as a recap for mathematicians, and an opportunity for physicist to understand the underlying mathematics of the relevant numerical codes.
Mini-Course Talks
Frank Jenko - A primer on gyrokinetics
Lei Chang - Introduction to Helicon Plasma
Kenneth Duru - Discontinuous Galerkin method and application in hyperbolic equations
David Pfefferle - Monte-Carlo/PIC methods to solve Vlasov-Boltzmann equation
Naoki Sato - An introduction to Beltrami fields in plasma and fluid dynamics
Stuart Hudson - Numerical construction of Beltrami fields and stepped-pressure equilibria
Apurv Kumar - Computational Multiphase Fluid Dynamics
Stephen Roberts - Uncertainty quantification
Sudi Mungkasi - Solutions to shallow water wave equations
Markus hegland / Yuancheng Zhou - Sparse grid method and applications
Rommel Real - An iterative regularization method for an inverse problem in plasma physics
June 26-27: Workshop
In the workshop, plasma physicists will describe unsolved or difficult computational plasma physics problems they have encountered in their work. Mathematicians will present potential applications of their work.
Workshop Talks
Frank Jenko - The gyrokinetic turbulence code GENE: Behind the scenes
Seikichi Matsuoka - Recent development of a global full-f gyrokinetic simulation code for stellarator/heliotron plasmas
Apurv Kumar - Multiphase flow modelling in Solar thermal
David Pfefferle - Monte-Carlo numerical solution of the Vlasov equation
Naoki Sato - Singular and asymmetric Beltrami field solutions of the ideal MHD equations
Stuart Hudson - Some mathematical problems associated with calculating 3D MHD equilibria
Lind Stals - Thin plate splines
Kenneth Duru - Theory and applications of perfectly matching layers
Matthew Hole - Integrated modelling and data fusion
Lei Chang - Gap modes using the ElectroMagnetic Solver
Greg Von Nessi - Using Bayesian inference in Tokamak equilibrium reconstruction
Stuart Hudson - Can Constructing “Chaotic coordinates” Help to Understand Transport in Non-Integrable Dynamical Systems?
George Coulloupas - The Satellite Wind Tunnel for studying LEO Objects in the Ionosphere
Hooman Hezaveh - The Theory of Long Range Frequency Chirping in Fusion Plasma
Nelson Egams - Extension of Energetic Geodesic Acoustic Modes to Passing Particle Popoulations
Nico Ranson - Nuclear Fusion in Inertial-Electrostatic Confinement Devices
Image: Speakers and Delegates
Invited speakers
- Prof. Frank Jenko, Max Planck Institute of Plasma Physics, Germany
- Dr. Stuart Hudson, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
- Dr. David Pfefferle, the University of Western Australia
- A/Prof. Lei Chang, Sichuan University
- Dr. Naoki Sato, Kyoto University
-
Dr Seikichi Matsuoka, National Institute for Fusion Science
-
Dr Apurv Kumar, Australian National University
Organsing committee
- Zhisong Qu, Australian National University
- Matthew Hole, Australian National University
- Robert Dewar, Australian National University
Partners & sponsors
Sessions
| Time | Session | |
|---|---|---|
Mini-course program | ||
| 8:30am - 8:40am | Opening and Logistics | |
| 8:40am-10:40am | A primer on gyrokinetics Frank Jenko | |
| 10:40am-11:00am | Coffee break | |
| 11:00am - 12:00pm | Introduction to Helicon Plasma Lei Chang | |
| 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Lunch | |
| 1:00pm - 2:00pm | Discontinuous Galerkin method and application in hyperbolic equations Kenneth Duru | |
| 2:00pm - 3:30pm | A Brief Tour of Smooth Manifolds, Symplectic Forms & Hamiltonian Mechanics. Peter Vassiliou | |
| 3:30pm - 4:00pm | Coffee break | |
| 4:00pm - 5:00pm | Monte-Carlo/PIC methods to solve Vlasov-Boltzmann equation David Pfefferle |
| Time | Session | |
|---|---|---|
Mini-course program | ||
| 8:40am - 9:40pm | An introduction to Beltrami fields in plasma and fluid dynamics Naoki Sato | |
| 9:40am-10:40pm | Numerical construction of Beltrami fields and stepped-pressure equilibria Stuart Hudson | |
| 10:40am-11:00am | Coffee break | |
| 11:00am-12:00pm | Computational Multiphase Fluid Dynamics Apurv Kumar | |
| 12:00pm-1:00pm | Lunch | |
| 1:00pm - 2:00pm | Uncertainty quantification Stephen Roberts | |
| 2:00pm - 2:30pm | Solutions to shallow water wave equations (tentative) Sudi Mungkasi | |
| 2:30pm - 3:30pm | Sparse grid method and applications Markus Hegland / Yuancheng Zhou | |
| 3:30pm - 4:00pm | Coffee break | |
| 4:00pm - 5:00pm | An iterative regularization method for an inverse problem in plasma physics Rommel Real |
| Time | Session | |
|---|---|---|
Workshop program | ||
| 8:50am - 9:00am | Opening and Logistics | |
| 9:00am - 10:00am | The gyrokinetic turbulence code GENE: Behind the scenes (Plenary) Frank Jenko | |
| 10:00am - 10:40pm | Recent development of a global full-f gyrokinetic simulation code for stellarator/heliotron plasmas Seikichi Matsuoka | |
| 10:40am - 11:00am | Coffee break | |
| 11:00am - 11:40pm | Multiphase flow modelling in Solar thermal Apurv Kumar | |
| 11:40am - 12:20pm | Monte-Carlo numerical solution of the Vlasov equation (tentative) David Pfefferle | |
| 12:20pm - 1:20pm | Lunch | |
| 12:20pm - 2:50pm | Student talks | |
| 2:50pm - 3:00pm | Summary and discussion | |
| 3:00pm - 3:20pm | Coffee break | |
| 3:20pm - 4:00pm | Singular and asymmetric Beltrami field solutions of the ideal MHD equations Naoki Sato | |
| 4:00pm - 4:40pm | Some mathematical problems associated with calculating 3D MHD equilibria Stuart Hudson | |
| 4:40pm - 5:20pm | Thin plate splines Linda Stals |
| Time | Session | |
|---|---|---|
Workshop program | ||
| 9:00am - 10:00am | Theory and applications of perfectly matching layers (plenary) Kenneth Duru | |
| 10:00am - 10:40pm | Integrated modelling and data fusion (tentative) Matthew Hole | |
| 10:40am - 11:00am | Coffee break | |
| 11:00am - 11:40pm | Gap modes using the ElectroMagnetic Solver Lei Chang | |
| 11:40am - 12:20pm | TBA Greg Von Nessi | |
| 12:20pm-1:20pm | Lunch | |
| 1:20pm - 3:20pm | Student talks | |
| 3:20pm - 3:30pm | Discussion and conclusion of the workshop | |
| 3:30pm - 4:00pm | MSI Colloquium Coffee | |
MSI Colloquium | ||
| 4:00pm - 5:00pm | Can Constructing “Chaotic coordinates” Help to Understand Transport in Non-Integrable Dynamical Systems? Stuart Hudson |
Registration is now open. Registration will close on the 17 June 2019.
AINSE is pleased to sponsor travel for students from interstate and NZ. To request this support please send an email to either Brittany Joyce (admin.research.msi@anu.edu.au) or Dr Zhisong Qu (zhisong.qu@anu.edu.au) together with a CV and a few sentences describing your current project and addressing why the workshop is helpful.
Building #145, Science Road, The Australian National University
Map
About Canberra
Canberra is located in the Australian Capital Territory, on the ancient lands of the Ngunnawal people, who have lived here for over 20,000 years. Canberra’s name is thought to mean ‘meeting place’, derived from the Aboriginal word Kamberra. European settlers arrived in the 1830s, and the area won selection by ballot for the federal capital in 1908. Since then the ‘Bush Capital’ has grown to become the proud home of the Australian story, with a growing population of around 390,000.
Canberra hosts a wide range of tourist attractions, including various national museums, galleries and Parliament House, as well as beautiful parks and walking trails. Several attractions are within walking distance of the ANU campus, including the National Museum of Australia and the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Canberra is also a fantastic base from which to explore the many treasures of the surrounding region, including historic townships, beautiful coastlines and the famous Snowy Mountains. Learn more about what to do and see during your stay in Canberra here.
Accommodation
Below are some accommodation options for your visit to Canberra.
Visit Canberra accommodation page
Visas
International visitors to Australia require a visa or an electronic travel authority (ETA) prior to arrival. It is your responsibility to ensure documentation is correct and complete before you commence your journey. Information on obtaining visas and ETAs can be found here.
Transportation
There are many ways to get around Canberra. Below is some useful information about Bus & Taxi transport around the ANU, the Airport and surrounding areas.
Taxi
If you are catching a taxi or Uber to the ANU Mathematical Sciences Institute, ask to be taken to Building #145, Science Road, ANU. We are located close to the Ian Ross Building and the ANU gym. A Taxi from the airport will usually cost around $40 and will take roughly 15 minutes. Pricing and time may vary depending on traffic.
Taxi bookings can be made through Canberra Elite Taxis - 13 22 27.
Airport Shuttle
The ACT government has implemented a public bus service from the CBD via the Canberra Airport via bus Route 11 and 11A, seven days a week. Services run approximately every half hour, and better during peak times (weekdays) and every hour (weekends).
To travel just use your MyWay card or pay a cash fare to the driver when boarding. A single adult trip when paying cash will cost $4.80 with cheaper fares for students and children. Significant savings can be made when travelling with MyWay.
View MyWay and Fares information.
For more information about the buses to Canberra airport.
Action Buses
Canberra buses are a cheap and easy way of getting around town once you're here.
For more information about bus services and fares.
