kstar

Call for Proposals for 2017 KSTAR Experimental Campaign

1. Experimental goals

After the successful campaign of the year 2016, KSTAR will continue physics research and advanced operation maximizing the unique machine capabilities of KSTAR. Main physics goals of KSTAR 2017 campaign would be clarified as follows :

A.    Main Physics Research Goals (7 Task-Forces)

The main Physics research topics will be categorized by 6 TFs and the detail research topics for each TF will be specified below.

-          TF 1 : : Elevating the understanding of the “non-axisymmetric field” impacts on tokamaks ( 3D Field Physics)

-          TF 2 : Validation of experimental data with modelling (Modelling)

-          TF 3 : Development of advanced operational scenario in superconducting tokamaks (Advanced Operation Scenario)

-          TF 4 : Analysis of MHD stability in high beta discharges (MHD)

-          TF 5 : Optimizing heating and current drive for long-pulse operation (Heating and Current Drive)

-          TF 6 : Diagnostics calibration and technique evaluation (Diagnostics)

-          TF 7 : Plasma-Wall interaction and edge physics in long-pulse operation (PWI)

2. Campaign Schedule*

*This schedule is subject to change depending on the status of the machine preparation.

Key dates

2 Jan 2017: Proposal website open (https://kstar.nfri.re.kr)

25 Jan 2017: Due date of proposal submission

2-3 Feb 2017: Research Opportunity Forum at NFRI (remote participation available)

25 Feb 2017: Announcement of selected proposals and experimental schedule

3. Task-Forces

In 2017 run-campaign, similar as 2016’, seven Task-Forces (TFs) as listed below are organized to facilitate the management and coordination of plenty of proposals under limited experimental resources. The experimental topics which are not covered by above TFs are also welcome and considered for the dedicated runtime.

Before submitting your proposals, it is encouraged to discuss them in detail with the TF leaders or your personal contact at NFRI.

4. Contacts for project managements and general supporting

3. KSTAR status

Plasma machine operation parameters

Heating and current drive

6. Diagnostics status

Memorandum for participation in the KSTAR experiment

1.   Scope and requirements for participation in KSTAR joint experimental research

Ｏ KSTAR joint experiment research

- As the KSTAR device is utilized as a joint experimental device in which both domestic and international researchers participate, the purposes of the KSTAR device are to resolve salient issues of the world fusion community and to raise the capability of domestic fusion research through it.

- The KSTAR device offers the joint researchers all the required circumstances for the joint experiments to fulfill these purposes.

- The joint researchers can participate in experiments and analyze the obtained data. Furthermore, they can develop, install, and operate equipment such as diagnostics for creative research.

Ｏ Requirements for participation in joint experimental research

- Basically, the KSTAR device supports the collaboration of both domestic and international researchers as much as possible.

- It shall conclude a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with each collaborating institution in order to assure the quality of the experiment operations and the outcome of research.

- International and domestic collaborating institutions can also participate in the KSTAR joint experiments.

- Access to KSTAR network and experimental data will be granted after the Non-Disposal Agreement (NDA) is submitted to National Fusion Research Institute (NFRI).

Ｏ Process of participation in joint experiments

- The following two items should be submitted to the NFRI in proposal form:

(1)    A detailed plan of the joint experiments; and

(2)    Names of participating researchers and a list of required resources.

- The KSTAR Experimental Committee (Project management and TF/WG leaders) shall review the submitted proposals, coordinate the KSTAR operation schedule, and assign the resources. If necessary, the committee can request another relevant department to analyze and review the proposals.

2.   Support to conduct the KSTAR joint experimental research

Ｏ Support from NFRI

- NFRI offers all available conveniences to external collaborators for successful research.

- Basically, NFRI pays all the expenses accompanied with operation and management of the KSTAR device and the equipment.

- NFRI properly offers the offices and use of internet and telephones which are needed for the long-term stay of external collaborating researchers for the performance of their assignments.

Ｏ Support from joint research institutions

- Responsibility for payment of personnel expenses such as salary, research expenditures, travel expenses, living expenses, and insurance of the researchers who participate in the joint experiments belongs to the assigned institution.

- Basically, all expenses related to installation and development costs of equipment accompanying the joint experiments belong to the relevant research funds and the assigned institution, provided that the expenses concerning the interface to the KSTAR device and the equipment can be supported by NFRI in accordance with the mutual agreement.

- In the case of computers and software required for joint research, the assigned institution provides them as a rule, provided that NFRI’s internal resources can be shared depending on the researcher’s participation or assignment details.

3.   Safety supervision of KSTAR joint experiments

Ｏ Access to KSTAR experimental equipment and safety supervision

- During the visits, the participants of joint experiment research are under an obligation to fulfill the NFRI regulations for the security of the KSTAR device and safety supervision.

- NFRI shall offer the orientation required for use of KSTAR research equipment such as electrical, fire, and radiation safety and network security. The external researchers should participate in this orientation.

- As a rule, the researchers and the assigned institution are responsible for all personnel and/or financial losses derived from carelessness of the joint researchers.

Ｏ Quality assurance of the installation of joint experiment equipment

- For installation and utilization of the equipment developed for joint research, it is necessary to have the review and approval of NFRI’s quality control. The external researchers are required to cooperate with this review.

- As a rule, the equipment installed on KSTAR for joint research is open to other researchers who participate in KSTAR joint experimental research.

4.   Outcome management of KSTAR joint experimental research

Ｏ Management of experimental data

- All raw data from the experiment belong to NFRI in principle.

- All experimental data from joint research are available to the other KSTAR joint researchers.

Ｏ Conference presentations and submission of papers of the results of joint experimental research

- The right of a joint researcher to be the first author has to be respected for the results of KSTAR joint experimental research.

- The experimental data and the analyzed results from joint experimental research should be investigated and approved through NFRI’s courtesy review prior to public disclosure in addition to the review process of the researcher’s group and assigned institution.

- Although the research is related to the KSTAR device, the research equipment and analysis resources are mainly offered by external institutions, so that the relevant courtesy review can be performed by the relevant institution. (Even in this case, the results from experiments are supposed to be reported to the KSTAR administrative committee without undue delay.)

Ｏ Right of intellectual property derived from the results of joint experiments 

- In principle, NFRI has joint ownership on the right of intellectual property such as patent applications and merchandising of the results from joint experimental research.

- The partition of the right of intellectual property can be coordinated according to the national R&D regulations and mutual agreement between the relevant institutions.