The increasing power of computer systems makes possible the development of advanced simulation tools for realistic representation of complex multi-physics processes. Advanced modeling can explain mysterious experimental results, promote new scientific discoveries, generate realistic predictions, and help design and optimize engineering systems. To obtain viable computer models of an entire physical system, however, thorough testing and benchmarking are required. Our school capabilities show that accurate computer simulation with sufficient detail can be used with confidence to understand, design, and optimize, e.g., fusion energy systems, laser produced plasma devices, and save significant time and cost compared to conducting expensive experiments.

This talk covers several areas of numerical and computational engineering/physics. These include models development, integration, and benchmarking for following vital applications:

• Simulation of processes and events in currently being developed nuclear fusion reactors;
• Optimization of photon sources for industrial and medical applications;
• Material surface modification by ion beams that is the subjects of interest in many areas.  

The talk is based on two computer packages developed by our group: ITMC-DYN and HEIGHTS. The ITMC-DYN package is designed for the simulation of ions/target interactions and related processes. The package includes Monte Carlo modeling of particles interactions based on binary collision approximation, materials mixing and erosion, particles diffusion, surface segregation, gaseous species molecular recombination and desorption. Results of the package application in several area will be presented. These include simulations for the prediction of materials erosion and modification in fusion reactor environment. Effect of ions kinetic energies on optical mirrors damage will be shown that is critical for photon sources applications. The HEIGHTS package is designed for the simulation of several real applications such as performance analysis and predictions for fusion reactors, optimization of laser and discharge produced plasma devices. The package includes detailed models for energy deposition, magneto hydrodynamics, radiation transport, calculation of thermodynamic properties and optical data in plasma, interaction of plasma with materials, and materials response.

Simulation results for several applications will be presented illustrating the importance of self-consistent models integration, models testing and benchmarking.   

Bio

Tatyana Sizyuk is Senior Research Scientist of Nuclear Engineering at Purdue University. Her research interests are related to computational physics, hydrodynamics, plasma and atomic physics, Monte Carlo algorithms for particles/radiation interaction with matter, numerical and physical models development, validation, and benchmarking. Particular interest is given to development and optimization of algorithms and methods for parallel calculations on multiprocessor systems. She has extensive knowledge and experience in code development and numerical simulations of plasma/material interactions in lithography and fusion devices, radiation damage in materials, laser and discharge produced plasmas. Results of simulations were described in many publications and presented at numerous international conferences on plasma science applications.

She is Senior Member of SPIE and IEEE societies, and Member of IEEE plasma science and application committee (PSAC) Executive Committee.