The behaviour of a plasma confined by a magnetic field is simulated by a variety of numerical models. Some models used on a short time scale give detailed knowledge of the plasma on a microscopic scale, while other models used on much longer time scales compute macroscopic properties of the plasma dynamics. In the last two years there has been a substantial increase in the numerical modelling of fusion devices. The status of MHD, transport, equilibrium, stability, Vlasov, Fokker-Planck, and hybrid codes is reviewed. Review articles on each of the preceding models, with the exception of hybrid codes, have been published during the past few years, hence in this paper the main features of the models are discussed along with a limited number of representative results. These codes have already been essential in the design and understanding of low- and high-beta toroidal experiments and mirror systems. The design of the next generation of fusion experiments and fusion test reactors will require continual development of these numerical models in order to include the best available plasma physics description and also to increase the geometric complexity of the model.There is a need for international co-operation in this field with particular emphasis on the exchange of programs and the establishment of fusion program libraries. The International Atomic Energy Agency has considered these issues and made specific recommendations.
Fundamentals of Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion