UKAEA-CCFE-PR(24)217
Pyrokinetics – A Python library to standardise gyrokinetic analysis
Fusion energy offers the potential for a near limitless source of low-carbon energy and is often
regarded as a solution for the world’s long-term energy needs. To realise such a scenario requires
the design of high-performance fusion reactors capable of maintaining the extreme conditions
necessary to enable fusion. Turbulence is typically the dominant source of transport in magnetically-confined fusion
plasmas, accounting for the majority of the particle and heat losses. Gyrokinetic modelling aims to
quantify the level of turbulent transport encountered in fusion reactors and can be used to understand the
major drivers of turbulence. The realisation of fusion critically depends on understanding how to
mitigate turbulent transport, and thus requires high levels of confidence in the predictive tools being
employed. Many different gyrokinetic modelling codes are available and Pyrokinetics aims to
standardise the analysis of such simulations.
regarded as a solution for the world’s long-term energy needs. To realise such a scenario requires
the design of high-performance fusion reactors capable of maintaining the extreme conditions
necessary to enable fusion. Turbulence is typically the dominant source of transport in magnetically-confined fusion
plasmas, accounting for the majority of the particle and heat losses. Gyrokinetic modelling aims to
quantify the level of turbulent transport encountered in fusion reactors and can be used to understand the
major drivers of turbulence. The realisation of fusion critically depends on understanding how to
mitigate turbulent transport, and thus requires high levels of confidence in the predictive tools being
employed. Many different gyrokinetic modelling codes are available and Pyrokinetics aims to
standardise the analysis of such simulations.