From Physics to Project Management: A Multi-Domain Matrix Model for the Distributed Analysis of Nuclear Fusion Systems

Nuclear fusion reactors operate in extreme and complex physical regimes. Predicting the behavior of these systems is essential for verification and validation, but requires the integration of diverse analysis activities, constrained by domains such as cost and human resources or availability of analysis tools. In this paper, we explore the use of a Multi-Domain Matrix (MDM) to formalize cross-domain aspects in the planning and coordination of such complex analysis campaigns. We represent the engineered system as a matrix of physical effects and the analysis campaign as matrix of activities. From the mapping between these domains, we can identify missing aspects, prioritize activities and derive which critical assumptions. Sequencing the model improves the planning. We apply the proposed method to a diagnostic shutter, a common subsystem in next-generation nuclear fusion reactors. The MDM successfully supports planning of multiple analysis activities, and suggests that it can be expanded to more domains.