Rick van Schaik

PhD Researcher Integrated Modeling Group - Tokamak Fusion Plasma Core and Edge @ DIFFER

About

Highly motivated individual striving towards a fossil fuel free world of energy production, combatting climate change and enabling energy security. I am extremely dedicated to the realisation of fusion energy, which I envision to play a key role in the global sustainable energy mix of the future. Currently I am a PhD researcher in the Integrated Modelling group at DIFFER where I work on integrated modelling of plasma core and edge in tokamaks. I always aim to have a holistic view and think that computational tools and simulations will be essential for the cost and time efficient development of fusion energy. Hence, I am actively learning which tools are required for what purpose and how all of these can be exploited together (and in what order) to assist efficient development of fusion energy. I think it is important for everyone to have this big picture in mind, know what role they play in it, and keep communicating with one another for efficient progress in fusion energy. One person cannot be an expert in all fields, so we need to work together to make fusion a reality! Although I know one cannot know everything, I actively try to learn as much as possible to efficiently contribute to the realisation of fusion energy. Topics I am interested in: - Fusion plasma physics --> MHD (instabilities), (alpha) heating, plasma waves - Computational modelling for fusion energy --> identify its role in the realisation of fusion energy - Optimising connection between modelling, experiments and engineering - Control engineering in fusion --> how to operate a fusion reactor - Machine learning and Artificial Intelligence in fusion - Systems engineering (in fusion) - How to build fusion reactors, including surroundings systems and supply chain industry - What role fusion energy will have in the future energy mix and where it will and will not be deployed - The role of fission in the energy transition - In general getting a broader understanding of the future energy mix --> what? where? why?

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Netherlands

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PhD Researcher Integrated Modeling Group - Tokamak Fusion Plasma Core and Edge

DIFFER

2025-9 - Present · 1 yr 1 mo

Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Nederland

PhD Researcher Integrated Modeling Group at DIFFER - Tokamak Fusion Plasma Core and Edge. Accelerating tokamak core-edge integrated modelling with SOL ML surrogate models.

Master Graduation Project - Science and Technology of Nuclear Fusion

Ignition Computing

2024-12 - 2025-8 · 9 mos

Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands

As part of my master's thesis, I developed and tested a prototype inverse coupling scheme between the NICE equilibrium solver and the TORAX 1D transport code—contributing to the Pulse Design Simulator (PDS) for ITER. The scheme iteratively links plasma transport and equilibrium, enabling predictive scenario design from prescribed boundary shapes and total plasma current. I implemented the full inverse scheme from scratch, ensuring data compatibility within the IMAS and MUSCLE3 frameworks. Initial tests focused on a single time slice, exploring how radial resolution affects convergence and profile consistency. The results offer guidance for improving numerical robustness in future PDS development.

Master Internship - Science and Technology of Nuclear Fusion

Fusion Group BSC

2024-9 - 2024-11 · 3 mos

Barcelona, Catalonië, Spanje

In this project, additional features of the EMWAVE module were developed to support the simulation requirements for radiofrequency (RF) wave heating in fusion plasmas. As part of a multiphysics simulation platform at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, EMWAVE aims to enable accurate modelling of wave propagation and absorption processes crucial for heating in magnetic confinement fusion devices. Before this project, EMWAVE was capable of simulating the propagation of monochromatic electromagnetic (EM) plane waves in a 2D geometry, including the ITER plasma domain, assuming cold plasma conditions. This project expanded the module’s functionality by (1) correcting existing ITER simulation meshes, (2) adding new meshes for the JET domain, and (3) implementing antenna source term meshes for both ITER and JET. The antenna validation demonstrated qualitatively correct radiation patterns, though some Finite Element Method (FEM)-related discrepancies were noted, which warrant further refinement. Additionally, a preliminary validation of EMWAVE’s cold plasma model was performed using theoretical predictions and simulation results for two JET cases. The simulations aligned well with theoretical expectations, verifying wave accessibility and propagation for these conditions.