JOREK non-linear MHD simulation in Formosa Integrated Research Spherical Tokamak(FIRST)

Hsiao-Hsuan Lin^1*, kun-Han Lee¹, Han Hu¹, Yen-Chen Chen², Tsung-Che Tsa¹

¹虛實整合與數位孿生組, 國家高速網路與計算中心, 新竹, Taiwan
²虛實整合與數位孿生組, 國家高速網路與計算中心, 台南, Taiwan

* Presenter:Hsiao-Hsuan Lin, email:2403050@narlabs.org.tw

Formosa Integrated Research Spherical Tokamak (FIRST) is the first tokamak device planned to be constructed in Taiwan in 2025, with testing scheduled to begin in 2026.
A tokamak is an axially symmetric device that confines plasma using strong magnetic fields, where plasma temperatures can reach several million degrees, offering a promising path toward future fusion power plants. Plasma confinement is a complex subject of both experimental and theoretical research. Experimentally, it relies on sophisticated control systems capable of shaping the plasma to mitigate various instabilities, thereby extending plasma confinement time.
To bridge the gap between complex real-world measurements and theoretical understanding with physical insight, detailed and advanced three-dimensional (3D) numerical simulations are essential.
JOREK is a non-linear magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) code featuring a wide range of extensions. It currently functions as one of the main computational tools supporting the ITER Organization and the corresponding ITPA Topical Groups. Due to its well-designed code structure and feature-rich functionality, JOREK is an excellent choice for developing our FIRST simulation framework.
In this work, we first demonstrate how numerical simulations assist and enhance the workflow during both the design and operational phases of the tokamak. We then present a vertical displacement event (VDE) as an illustrative example of FIRST simulations.

Keywords: FIRST, tokamak, fusion, magnetic confinement, MHD simulation