TRANSP integrated modeling code for interpretive and predictive analysis of tokamak plasmas

TL;DR

The paper reviews the TRANSP code, a key tool for analyzing and predicting tokamak plasma behavior, highlighting its capabilities, models, and integration with the ITER suite for fusion research.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of TRANSP's features, models, and integration with ITER, emphasizing its role in plasma analysis and fusion research advancement.

Findings

Enhanced modeling of plasma profiles and large-scale events.

Integration with ITER IMAS improves data analysis capabilities.

Ongoing development supports fusion research and tokamak operation optimization.

Abstract

This paper provides a comprehensive review of the TRANSP code, a sophisticated tool for interpretive and predictive analysis of tokamak plasmas, detailing its major capabilities and features. It describes the equations for particle, power, and momentum balance analysis, as well as the poloidal field diffusion equations. The paper outlines the spatial and time grids used in TRANSP and details the equilibrium assumptions and solvers. Various models for heating and current drive \mc{and radiation}, including updates to the NUBEAM model, are discussed. The handling of large-scale events such as sawtooth crashes and pellet injections is examined, along with the predictive capabilities for advancing plasma profiles. The integration of TRANSP with the ITER Integrated Modeling and Analysis Suite (IMAS) is highlighted, demonstrating enhanced data access and analysis capabilities. Additionally, the paper discusses best practices and continuous integration techniques to enhance TRANSP's robustness. The suite of TRANSP tools, designed for efficient data analysis and simulation, further supports the optimization of tokamak operations and coupling with other tokamak codes. Continuous development and support ensure that TRANSP remains a major code for the analysis of experimental data for controlled thermonuclear fusion, maintaining its critical role in supporting the optimization of tokamak operations and advancing fusion research.