Describtion

The research topic ‘Modelling and Simulation of Rarefied Gas Flows’ focuses on the development and application of advanced simulation methods for multi-component gas flows in the whole range of the gas collisionality, as well as the modelling of processes and gas flows within the fusion fuel cycle. Rarefied Gas Dynamics is a multidisciplinary field that contributes to various engineering and technological areas, with vacuum technology and fusion technology being key examples where accurate modelling of rarefied gas flows is essential.

In the field of rarefied gas flows, we contribute to the development of high technologies and advanced components by establishing fundamental knowledge and transferring it to science and industry. For future fusion reactors, we develop solutions for efficient fusion fuel cycles with low tritium inventories and reduced energy consumption. Through our research, we contribute to both fundamental science and application-oriented developments, supporting national and international projects as well as fusion companies in the development and realization of future fusion power plants.

Our team provides expertise and support to scientific and industrial partners in the field of Rarefied Gas Dynamics (RGD). With extensive experience in modelling, simulation, and software development, we develop and apply validated simulation tools to address a wide range of research and engineering challenges. This enables us to provide reliable solutions for complex gas flow problems in various technological applications.

References

• Modelling of neutral gas dynamics in fusion reactor particle exhaust systems, from the divertor area to the pumping systems, supporting the development and optimization of advanced particle exhaust concepts for stellarators and tokamaks. Our work contributes to design activities and performance studies for major fusion devices, including W7-X, DTT, VNS and DEMO.
• Development of simplified simulation tools enabling fast prediction of neutral gas dynamics in complex geometries and gas distribution systems, supporting the design, optimization, and performance assessment of fusion and vacuum technologies.
• Modeling and simulation of rarefied gas flows to support the design and optimization of vacuum components, including pumps, valves, and sensors, as well as MEMS applications.
• Development of computational models and simulation software for the analysis, design, and optimization of fusion fuel cycles, including fuel flow, tritium inventory, and material balance modelling.

Research infrastructure

• Computational cluster CALIPSO and CALIPSO-II (under construction) for the simulation of rarefied gas flows
• Access to national and international computational infrastructure / computational centres
• Development platform DIPAK for the validation of design codes and control schemes within the fusion fuel cycle