I am a Postdoctoral Fellow (director-funded) in the Theoretical Plasma Physics group (T-15) at Los Alamos National Laboratory. I am currently working on computational magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), specifically on the modeling of resistive and collisionless reconnection effects. Recently, I have been developing an implicit, nonlinear 2D resistive MHD code using Newton-Krylov techniques (GMRES), implemented Jacobian-Free. This code has served as a "toy problem" to help identify proper preconditioning strategies for the resistive MHD equations. This work is at completion now (see first publication of list below), and has resulted in lessons learned which will be invaluable for the success of the next stage of the research, namely, the implicit integration of the 2D two-fluid (Hall) MHD equations. The final goal is to develop a fully-implicit 3D two-fluid MHD simulation tool capable of handling very demanding problems with very large Lundquist and Reynolds numbers, such as those characteristic of astrophysical and fusion plasmas. Such a tool will necessarily have to be implemented in parallel for efficiency. In particular, parallel libraries featuring Krylov methods and/or preconditioners such as Aztec, Hypre, and PETSc will be required.

Proficiency with advanced computational testing and simulation tools will clearly represent a fundamental advantage to lead this and future computational simulation initiatives to success. Thus, I find the ACTS workshop as particularly interesting, and I appreciate the opportunity to apply. A list of recent publications is included below. Sincerely,

Luis Chacon.
LIST OF PUBLICATIONS

L. Chacón, D. A. Knoll, J. M. Finn, "Fully-Implicit, Jacobian-free Newton-Krylov 2D reduced resistive MHD nonlinear solver," submitted to J. Comput. Phys (2000).

L. Chacón, D. C. Barnes, D. A. Knoll, G. H. Miley, "Energy gain calculations in Penning fusion systems using a bounce-averaged Fokker-Planck model," accepted in Phys. Plasmas (2000).

L. Chacón, D. C. Barnes, D. A. Knoll, G. H. Miley, "A Bounce-Averaged Ion Fokker-planck Code for Penning Fusion Devices," accepted in Comp. Phys. Comm. (2000).

L. Chacón, D. C. Barnes, D. A. Knoll, G. H. Miley, "An Implicit Energy-Conservative 2D Fokker-Planck Algorithm: I - Difference Scheme," J. Comput. Phys., 157, 618-653 (2000).

L. Chacón, D. C. Barnes, D. A. Knoll, G. H. Miley, "An Implicit Energy-Conservative 2D Fokker-Planck Algorithm: II- Jacobian-Free Newton-Krylov Solver," J. Comput. Phys., 157, 654-682 (2000).

L. Chacón, G. H. Miley, "Inertial Electrostatic Confinement 3He Breeder for D-3He Satellite Systems," Fusion Technol., 33, 182-209 (1998).