19.4: Multi-physics simulations with VORPAL

The VORPAL finite-difference time-domain particle-in-cell simulation tool has traditionally been used for accelerator, electromagnetic, and plasma simulations. Approximately two years ago, a generalized PDE (partial differential equation) capability was added to the software, and we are now developing this capability to provide multi-physics simulations capability. Our project focus is on integrated thermal & electromagnetic simulations for superconducting RF accelerators. But we are interested in broadening the scope of applications to include vacuum electronics and other physical processes in addition to EM and thermal. We present benchmarking exercises comparing the VORPAL simulations to experimental measurement, and to other multi-physics software.