IAEA Theory Summary for the 1998 IAEA Meeting, Yokohama, Japan -- October 17-24, 1998
Author: W. M. Tang
Date of PPPL Report: August 2000
Prepared for the 17th International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Conference on Fusion Energy 1998 (Yokohama, Japan, October 19-24, 1998). Conference proceeding to be published by Nuclear Fusion.
This is a summary of the advances in magnetic fusion energy theory research presented at the 17th International Atomic Energy Agency Fusion Energy Conference from 19-24 October, 1998 in Yokohama, Japan. Theory and simulation results from this conference provided encouraging evidence of significant progress in understanding the physics of thermonuclear plasmas. Indeed, the grand challenge for this field is to acquire the basic understanding that can readily enable the innovations which would make fusion energy practical. In this sense, as depicted in Fig. 1, research in fusion energy is increasingly able to be categorized as fitting well the "Pasteur's Quadrant" paradigm[1], where the research strongly couples basic science ("Bohr's Quadrant") to technological impact ("Edison's Quadrant"). As supported by some of the work presented at this conference, this trend will be further enhanced by advanced simulations. Eventually, realistic three-dimensional modeling capabilities, when properly combined with rapid and complete data interpretation of results from both experiments and simulations, can contribute to a greatly enhanced cycle of understanding and innovation. Plasma science theory and simulation have provided reliable foundations for this improved modeling capability, and the exciting advances in high-performance computational resources have further accelerated progress.