Atul Kumar

Dr. Atul Kumar is a computational physicist specializing in plasma–material interactions (PMI), RF heating and current drive, and plasma transport. As an R&D Staff member at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), he leverages high-performance computing (HPC) to investigate plasma–wall interactions, RF sheath physics, and boundary plasma and impurity transport in magnetic confinement fusion devices. He has developed advanced computational tools and diagnostics, including the integrated modeling framework STRIPE, advancing understanding of plasma detachment, impurity dynamics, and RF-driven plasma–surface interactions. His work also incorporates AI-driven approaches, including digital twin concepts and machine learning techniques, to accelerate predictive modeling and enhance fusion system performance.

He earned his Ph.D. in Physics from the Institute for Plasma Research (IPR), India, and completed postdoctoral training at both ORNL and IPR. His work integrates computational modeling with experimental observations, contributing to the realization of fusion as a practical and sustainable energy source.

Dr. Kumar has authored numerous publications and presented at leading international conferences. His work has been recognized with several awards, including international travel grants and fellowships from India’s Department of Atomic Energy. He is also actively involved in mentorship, collaborative research, and professional service within the fusion community.

Outside of work, he enjoys playing the acoustic guitar, as well as badminton and biking.