Sample interview questions: Describe your experience with plasma transport simulations in reversed-field pinches.
Sample answer:
- Experience includes extensive use of numerical simulation codes to investigate plasma transport in reversed-field pinches (RFPs). Expertise in the NIMROD code, a 3D, resistive magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) code specifically designed for RFP studies.
- Conducted simulations to study the behavior of magnetic islands and their impact on plasma confinement. Investigated the role of tearing modes and their nonlinear interactions in the formation of magnetic islands and the resulting transport.
- Analyzed the effects of various plasma parameters, such as density, temperature, and safety factor, on the stability and dynamics of magnetic islands and the associated transport. Explored the impact of external magnetic fields and applied non-axisymmetric perturbations on the RFP plasma dynamics.
- Performed parametric studies to optimize plasma performance and identify operational scenarios with improved confinement and stability characteristics. Utilized simulation results to guide experimental campaigns and interpret experimental observations.
- Collaborated with experimentalists to validate simulation models and gain a comprehensive understanding of the underlying physics. Participated in experimental campaigns, providing real-time … Read full answer