Numerical methods for the Vlasov equation and its gyrokinetic approximation

Kinetic theory gives a probabilistic description of the plasma in terms of a distribution function in phase-space. This description is more comprehensive than the magneto-hydrodynamic description but at the same time more computationally demanding. A major challenge for the numerical solution of the kinetic model is the rather high dimensionality of four to six dimensions depending on the geometry and the level of approximation. In addition, the requirements on the resolution are high, since small filaments and turbulent structures can occur in phase-space.

Modelling and numerical methods for Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD)

The MHD group of the NMPP division works on the study, development and analysis of robust and efficient algorithms for linear and nonlinear magneto-hydrodynamics, applied to tokamak and stellarator configurations.

Geometric Numerical Integration and Reduced Complexity Modelling

The geometry group studies the abstract mathematical structures underlying plasma-physics models in order to design numerical algorithms that respect important qualitative properties of the physical problem.

Probabilistic Data Analysis and Active Learning (DAAL)

The DAAL group of the NMPP division develops and applies modern data analysis methods (ML/AI-based) and modelling tools within a Bayesian framework to investigate and understand non-equilibrium and plasma-driven processes.

Zonal Flows and Structure Formation in Turbulent Plasmas

The group studies the zonal flows with massively parallel computer simulations of plasma and planetary turbulence, with the goal to make predictions of their long-term evolution and experimentally observed switching effects between different flow patterns.