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For three days last month, representatives from all seven ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ Members came together at ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ Headquarters for the 5th meeting of the Integrated Modelling Expert Group (IMEG). The group meets regularly to help guide the ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ integrated modelling (IM) program and to act as an interface between Member physics modelling programs and the ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ.

The aims of the ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ IM program are to meet the needs of the ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ project for accurate predictions of ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ performance and for efficient control of ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ plasmas; to support the preparation for ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ operation; and, in the longer term, to provide the modelling and control tools required for the exploitation phase of ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ.

At the meeting chaired by Lang Lao (US), each of the Members had the opportunity to update the assembly on their respective programs before hearing about progress within the ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ. Since the 2012 meeting, the ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ has now established an integrated modelling prototype framework. Called the Integrated Modelling & Analysis Suite (IMAS), this framework comprises various elements including the ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ Physics Data Model that is designed to be used for both experimental and simulation data—a significant step compared to existing machines. The rules and guidelines that underpin the data model have undergone extensive review and will now be used to derive specific elements (Interface Data Structures) of the data model that are used to pass data between physics codes running in an integrated modelling workflow.

On the final day of the meeting, an introductory training session was prepared which gave the IMEG members the opportunity to gain some hands-on experience with the IMAS prototype. The expert group commended the ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ for the progress made on the IMAS Framework, on the first physics workflows demonstrating a plasma simulator (based on modular prescribed and free-boundary transport simulations) and on the associated program documentation. They were also keen to encourage wider access to the IMAS Framework and further training opportunities as the framework is further developed.

More information on the ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ IM Program, how to get involved, or how to contribute to its development can be obtained by contacting @email.