ESILV at the 27th Non-Linear Encounter conference (La Rencontre du non-linéaire), in Paris

Two major in data & artificial intelligence ESILV students contributed at the 27th Non-Linear Encounter (La Rencontre du non-linéaire) conference in Paris. They presented their contributions and represented ESILV and the De Vinci Research Center (DVRC).

The non-linear encounter (La Rencontre du non-linéaire) occurred at Paris University with 118 contributions in dynamical systems, hydrodynamics, optics, continuum mechanics, condensed matter, electronics, biology, etc., and invited lectures.

The programme also held the Mini-collogue RNL 2024 on Non-linear soft interfaces: Wetting, Adhesion, Flow, and Fracture.

A two-way collaboration between students and teachers

ESILV students Martin Pujol and Martin Rampont, both class of 2025, were involved in the research, presented their research results and had the opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of non-linear dynamics. 

With first authors and teacher researchers at ESILV Alessandro Biancalani and Didier Gossard, this was also an excellent opportunity to show the exciting results of ESILV’s youngest talented students of the ESILV Research Path.

Under the mentorship of their teacher researchers, the students found guidance and support throughout this journey. 

Presenting at the non-linear encounter

The students presented their results and discovery research projects alongside esteemed researchers, and they had the opportunity to contribute to research and continue exploring this field. 

Firstly, they presented a paper titled “Non-linear dynamics of zonal flows and geodesic acoustic modes in ITER.” This paper explains that turbulence arises due to uneven plasma properties in a tokamak ( a device used in fusion research to contain hot plasma). 

Zonal flows help stabilize this turbulence. There are two types: some spin steadily, while others have a frequency. Energetic particles can also induce these flows. Researchers used computer code to study these interactions in a scenario similar to ITER’s. They found that energetic particles redistribute once specific stable flows, called geodesic acoustic modes, are reached. They also estimated the strength of these modes under ITER-like conditions. 

Secondly, they presented a paper titled “Non-linear interaction of turbulence and energetic particles in tokamak plasmas”. They explained that in tokamak plasmas, uneven temperature and density profiles lead to instability, causing turbulence.

This turbulence is a significant challenge for achieving controlled nuclear fusion. Zonal flows, which are axisymmetric, play a key role in stabilizing turbulence. Energetic particles in the plasma can indirectly influence turbulence by driving electromagnetic oscillations like Alfvén Modes (AM). 

This study explores how energetic particles affect turbulence through two mechanisms: A) by exciting zonal flows nonlinearly and B) by modifying equilibrium profiles non-linearly. Using a numerical simulation tool called ORB5, researchers demonstrated how these mechanisms work, shedding light on experimental observations of turbulence reduction in the presence of energetic particles.

Participating and being involved interactively resulted in an exciting and enriching experience. From discussing their methodologies to engaging with fellow attendees, every moment was a valuable learning experience. 

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