Simulation Science

Computer Simulation has been established as a third methodology of scientific research which complements the traditional experimental and theoretical modes of enquiry. Natural phenomena governed by complexity represent a vast field of research which has remained unexplored and uncultivated by conventional theoretical approaches.

In accordance with the exponential growth of the supercomputer and visualization technology, computer simulation has also progressed exponentially and it becomes almost possible to solve the dynamical evolution of many individual observed phenomena, which are highly nonlinear.

So far we have taken the approach of solving the mechanism of an individual nonlinear phenomenon, that is, to use the computer simulation as a solver. However, we believe that computer simulation has a superior ability far beyond this simple solving role.

The theory and Computer Simulation Center of NIFS has undertaken a vast and far-reaching approach to explore the dynamic evolutions in open, non-equilibrium systems mutually interacting with environments and to construct the basis of a science of complexity by understanding specific complex phenomena and extracting underlying universal rules.

Research Strategy for Simulation Science


We investigate self-organizing phenomena in any kinds of fusion and general plasmas in a comprehensive way and extract universal self-organizing properties of complex plasmas. In parallel, we pay attention to typical self-organizing phenomena in non-fusion plasmas and other fields where the governing interacting forces are fundamentally different. Comparing and examining the obtained properties, we create new ideas and concepts of self-organization, and feed them back to the fusion plasma to refine the universal self-organizing properties.

Cultivating new complex phenomena and establishing the universal rules, we proceed to develop the Science of Complexity.



Theory and Computer Simulation Simulation Science Virtual Reality Fusion Plasmas Physics of Self-Organization Evolutional Principles of Self-Organization

NIFS Theory and Computer Simulation Center