DIII-D RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES FORUM FOR THE 2017-18 EXPERIMENTAL CAMPAIGNS

ANNOUNCEMENT

DIII-D RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES FORUM FOR THE 2017-18 EXPERIMENTAL CAMPAIGNS

QUICKLINKS:

• View proposals or Enter a new proposal
  • PEOPLE WITHOUT DIII-D LOGIN: you can still make a proposal by clicking "Submit Request" top right on the above linked page.
• Click here for the call for proposals with overall perspective and contact details for physics areas.
• Click here for the call for run time guidance on thrusts and task forces setting particular priorities for thrusts and groups.
• See below for exact sequence of process.

The 2018 Incremental DIII-D Research Opportunities Forum has been scheduled for June-July, 2017. The Research Opportunities Forum provides a method for interested scientists to present proposals and ideas for possible research on the DIII-D National Fusion Facility, as well as an opportunity to discuss critical issues for both fusion science and preparations for ITER (see ITER reference documents link in left panel). Information on the proposal submission process and the Forum's agenda (as the details become available) can be found on the links to the left.

The 2018 program is regarded as an update to the extensive strategic process undertaken in 2016 to develop the 2017 program. New ideas are strongly encouraged, but unselected 2016 ideas remain on the books for consideration. The process is somewhat expedited, with new proposals to be aired directly in the relevant physics area meetings (structure and contacts described here), which will be used to select and prioritize proposal.

As in the past, any individual contributor can submit as many proposals to the website as they wish. These proposals will be sorted and distributed to the Thrust and physics leaders, or their delegates, to be arrive at final priorities for each group, thrust or task force, to be presented to the DIII-D Research Council. DIII-D management will the determine allocation of days for experiments in the Fall 2017 to Spring 2018 period.

Note that a separate process will be undertaken for a possible second Frontiers Science campaign in 2018.

To submit a new proposal for 2018 click (Here - ROF 2018 View Submissions or Submit New Proposal)and select one of the options in the upper right corner of the proposals window

The DIII-D planning process this year consists of the following elements:

1. Proposal submission: Proposals can be submitted using a web interface. Categories of submission will include both Thrust Areas (about 5-10 days of run time each) and individual research topics (about 1-2 run days each). All individuals and institutions are encouraged to propose experiments that take advantage of the unique capabilities of the DIII-D facility in addressing key fusion science issues. These experimental proposals may be as small as a portion of a shot or may require several days to complete. See the link in the upper left for submission of ideas. Proposals can be submitted throughout the planning process described below.
2. Determine the key priorities of the experimental program: This will be determined by the DIII-D management with the advice of the DIII-D Research Council, and in consideration of proposed Physics Area Goals from the group leaders, and finalized in consideration of points raised at the ROF. Run time guidance will be issued which will outline the Thrusts and High Priority Research Topics for the DIII-D Experimental Campaign in June 2017, and the associated Task Forces (see link left).
3. Selection of Experiments to Run: The various research area leaders will organize meetings subsequent to the ROF in which the proponents of the proposals will discuss and determine which proposals can be combined effectively, leading to a proposed plan for the 2018 experimental plan. This plan will be presented to the DIII-D Director around the middle of August for consideration of the final allocation of experimental time amongst the various areas. It is anticipated that a final notification of the allocations will be distributed soon after.

The Research planning steps are as set out below in detail:

• Strategic Planning Workshops to discuss key priorities for next years amongst technical experts - May
• Opening of web based proposals system for Research Opportunities Forum - June
• Proposals for near term priorities from group leaders to Research Council end of May
  • Run time guidance on some major priorities is provided here
• Web based Research Opportunities Forum - to July 10 - link here - NOT YET OPEN
  • All interested participants are invited to make their proposals
  • Break out sessions by physics areas, thrust and task force teams to select and prioritize the program - all meetings listed here
• Second Research Council to review and advice on allocation of run time - early August
  • Commencement of mini-proposal drafting straight after RC
• Program Run Time Allocation to be confirmed by late August
• Start of Experimental Campaign - October 9th 2017

Groups should develop a three year perspective on program goals, and identify steps for this year and follow up strong candidate experiments for the following year, in order to plan more strategically and consider sequencing of research, or enabling greater prioritization of certain topics in a particular year.

More Information:
Please contact Dr. Max Fenstermacher at
Phone: 858-455-4159
Fax: 858-455-4156