Center for plasma theory and computation banner

Welcome!


NIMROD simulation of the finger and filament structures generated from the nonlinear edge localized modes (ELMs) in a DIII-D H-mode discharge. The pressure contour shows the 2-dimensional projection in the poloidal plane of the 3-dimensional ELM filaments near separatrix. Simulations performed by Ping Zhu.

Welcome!

The Center for Plasma Theory and Computation provides a forum for collaboration on theoretical problems in the physics of laboratory and natural plasma. The Center’s personnel represent the cross-departmental interest in plasma that has flourished at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for more than 40 years.

Research topics include: macroscopic stability and transport in magnetically confined plasma, magnetic reconnection and relaxation in laboratory and space plasma, the feasibility of fusion energy, and plasma simulation via numerical computation. Research efforts are supported by individual and project-level grants. They address theoretical questions arising from the many plasma experiments located at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and through national and international collaborations.

Reports

Center for Plasma Theory and Computation (CPTC) reports document research performed by participating faculty, scientists, and students. Many of the reports have also been submitted to professional journals for publication. View our most recent reports below, or view our report archive.

UW_CPTC_24-2:  Modeling of Macroscopic Dynamics in Three-Dimensional Plasma Configurations: Final Scientific Report

UW_CPTC_24-1: ECH Ignition of DD in Mirror/Cusp Geometry

UW_CPTC_22-4: Pressure-Driven Tearing and Thermal Transport in Finite-Beta Reversed Field Pinch Computations

Conferences

In June 2013, the “Theory and Simulation of 3-D Physics in Stellarators/Heliotrons and RFPs” Conference was held at the University of Wisconsin. Click here to view the conference agenda and speaker presentations.