Collaborative Research in Magnetic Fusion Energy Sciences on International Long-Pulse Superconducting Tokamaks
The Office of Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) of the Office of Science (SC), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), hereby announces its interest in receiving applications from multi-institutional teams to carry out experimental research in magnetic fusion energy sciences on international long-pulse superconducting tokamak facilities. The FES Burning Plasma Science: Long Pulse: Tokamak program element supports U.S scientific teams who work in collaboration with overseas scientists to explore critical science and technology issues at the frontiers of magnetic fusion research, including the exploration of new plasma physics regimes. These collaborations take advantage of the unique capabilities of the most advanced international research facilities and allow the U.S. fusion program to gain the knowledge needed to operate long duration plasma discharges in ITER and other fusion energy devices. The specific areas of interest for this FOA involve the major scientific challenge of achieving high-performance core plasma regimes suitable for long pulse. Specific topical areas of interest include: 1. Studying and developing high-performance operating states that can be robustly produced, sustained, and controlled for long periods of time; 2. Understanding boundary and scrape-off layer physics and developing and demonstrating divertor solutions that provide improved power handling, acceptable target plate erosion and compatibility with good core confinement; 3. Understanding the processes that couple the plasma to the material walls, including actuators for sustainment and control, and developing and demonstrating integrated solutions for the plasma material interface that extrapolate to steady-state reactor application; and 4. Establishing the physics and engineering of auxiliary systems that provide the means of controlling plasmas for long periods. To be considered for funding, applicants must have discussed their proposed research with the program leaders and key scientific collaborators at the international facility or facilities where they propose to carry out collaborative research. Applicants must provide a letter of collaboration or other indication of common understanding for the proposed research from a program leader at each facility, which should include the specific commitments in terms of local resources made by each facility, as well as describe the respective roles, responsibilities and mode of interaction between the hosts and collaborators. Priority will be given to applications that address the FES strategic priorities; take full advantage of the recently upgraded capabilities of the international superconducting long-pulse tokamaks; address critical issues identified in recent community research needs workshops; allow U.S. scientists to maintain and expand their leadership role in international collaborations; and make effective use of remote collaboration capabilities and tools to optimize the balance between on-site presence and remote participation. Additional information on each area of interest is included in the Description of Topical Areas section under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION below. A companion Program Announcement to DOE National Laboratories (LAB 16-1498) will be posted on the Office of Science Grants and Contracts web site at: http://science.energy.gov/grants/lab-announcements/open/
Program Manager
Phone 301-903-0552
