Theoretical Research in Magnetic Fusion Energy Science

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The Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) program of the Office of Science (SC), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), hereby announces its interest in receiving grant applications for theoretical research relevant to the U.S. program in magnetic fusion energy sciences. All individuals or groups planning to submit applications for new or renewal funding in Fiscal Year 2011 should submit in response to this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). The specific areas of interest are: 1. Magnetohydrodynamics 2. Confinement and Transport 3. Boundary Physics 4. Plasma Heating, Non-inductive Current Drive, and Energetic Particles 5. Innovative Magnetic Confinement Concepts 6. Atomic and Molecular Processes in Plasmas In this FOA, priority will be given to work that is in support of developing an understanding of the edge or boundary plasma in tokamaks. Developing a predictive understanding of the plasma edge in a tokamak is a critical research need for the magnetic fusion energy sciences program, since the edge appears to determine many of the properties and the performance of tokamak plasmas. In an effort to foster close and effective collaborations between theorists, computational scientists, and experimentalists to address such issues, the FES program is establishing performance targets related to understanding the properties of the tokamak edge plasma. To achieve this understanding, it will be important for theorists and computational scientists to work together in teams with scientists from the three major facilities (DIII-D, NSTX, and C-Mod). In FY 2011, as the first year of this effort, the FES annual performance target is a joint theory/computational/experiment milestone to unders tand the physics mechanisms responsible for the structure of the edge pedestal, furthering the development of the required predictive capability. More specific information on each area of interest is outlined in the general and program specific supplementary information below. Due to the limited availability of funds, Principal Investigators with continuing grants may not submit a new application in the same area(s) of interest as their previous application(s), which received funding. A Principal Investigator may submit only one application under each area of interest as listed above.

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