Numerical Simulation of Plasmas


Book Description

This book is devoted to mathematical modeling of tokamak plasma. Since the appearance in 1982 of the first edition (in Russian), a considerable amount of experimental and theoretical material on tokamak research has been accumu lated. The new-generation devices, viz. , TFTR, JET and JT-60 were put into operation. The first experiments on these units have confirmed the correctness of the basic physical concepts underlying their construction. Experiments on plasma heating with the help of neutral beams and high-frequency (HF) waves on previous generation devices made it possible to obtain high-P plasmas. The number of "medium-size" tokamaks in operation has increased. New experi mental results and advances in the theory have led to more complicated and perfected models of high-temperature plasma. Rapid progress in computer hardware and software has played an important role in the further development of mathematical modeling. While preparing the English edition of the book, we have revised the text considerably. Several new models which have undergone significant advance ment in recent years are described. A section devoted to models of RF (radio frequency) current drive has been added to Chap. 2. The reduced magneto hydrodynamic (MHD) equations for high-P plasma are now considered in detail in Chap. 3. Chapter 4 contains the latest results on anomalous thermal conductivity, diffusion coefficient and pinching. Two new sections are added to Chap. 5.




Introduction to Simulation Methods for Gas Discharge Plasmas


Book Description

Gas discharge plasma is the most common type of low-temperature plasma, with a large number of practical applications covering almost all areas of modern science and technology. This book is an introduction to the numerical modeling methods for gas discharge plasmas. It is intended to assist and direct graduate students and junior researchers, whose research activity deals with computational plasma physics. Topics covered include the essentials of basic modelling approaches (particle, fluid, and hybrid) for gas discharges, and the implementation of these methods with examples of glow (DC and RF) discharges. Numerical studies of nonlinear dynamics and formation of spatio-temporal patterns in gas discharge systems are also presented. Key Features Focuses solely on gas discharge plasmas Covers basic modelling techniques, including particle, fluid, and hybrid Provides details of applications and implementation for the considered methods Special emphasis is given to the applicability and reliability of different modelling techniques Provides specific examples of numerical simulations of the gas discharge plasmas




Plasma Modeling


Book Description

Plasma Modeling: Methods and applications presents and discusses the different approaches that can be adopted for plasma modeling, giving details about theoretical and numerical methods. It describes kinetic models used in plasma investigations, develops the theory of fluid equations and hybrid models, and discusses applications and practical problems across a range of fields. This updated second edition contains over 200 pages of new material, including an extensive new part that discusses methods to calculate data needed in plasma modeling, such as thermodynamic and transport properties, state specific rate coefficients in heavy particle collisions and electron impact cross-sections. This updated research and reference text is an excellent resource to assist and direct students and researchers who want to develop research activity in the field of plasma physics in the choice of the best model for the problem of interest.




Plasma Simulations by Example


Book Description

The study of plasmas is crucial in improving our understanding of the universe, and they are being increasingly utilised in key technologies such as spacecraft thrusters, plasma medicine, and fusion energy. Providing readers with an easy to follow set of examples that clearly illustrate how simulation codes are written, this book guides readers through how to develop C++ computer codes for simulating plasmas primarily with the kinetic Particle in Cell (PIC) method. This text will be invaluable to advanced undergraduates and graduate students in physics and engineering looking to learn how to put the theory to the test. Features: Provides a step-by-step introduction to plasma simulations with easy to follow examples Discusses the electrostatic and electromagnetic Particle in Cell (PIC) method on structured and unstructured meshes, magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), and Vlasov solvers Covered topics include Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) collisions, surface interactions, axisymmetry, and parallelization strategies. Lubos Brieda has over 15 years of experience developing plasma and gas simulation codes for electric propulsion, contamination transport, and plasma-surface interactions. As part of his master’s research work, he developed a 3D ES-PIC electric propulsion plume code, Draco, which is to this date utilized by government labs and private aerospace firms to study plasma thruster plumes. His Ph.D, obtained in 2012 from George Washington University, USA, focused on a multi-scale model for Hall thrusters utilizing fluid-kinetic hybrid PIC codes. He has since then been involved in numerous projects involving development and the use of plasma simulation tools. Since 2014 he has been teaching online courses on plasma simulations through his website: particleincell.com.




High-Power Laser-Plasma Interaction


Book Description

The field of high-power laser-plasma interaction has grown in the last few decades, with applications ranging from laser-driven fusion and laser acceleration of charged particles to laser ablation of materials. This comprehensive text covers fundamental concepts including electromagnetics and electrostatic waves, parameter instabilities, laser driven fusion,charged particle acceleration and gamma rays. Two important techniques of laser proton interactions including target normal sheath acceleration (TNSA) and radiation pressure acceleration (RPA) are discussed in detail, along with their applications in the field of medicine. An analytical framework is developed for laser beat-wave and wakefield excitation of plasma waves and subsequent acceleration of electrons. The book covers parametric oscillator model and studies the coupling of laser light with collective modes.




Plasma Physics via Computer Simulation


Book Description

Divided into three main parts, the book guides the reader to an understanding of the basic concepts in this fascinating field of research. Part 1 introduces you to the fundamental concepts of simulation. It examines one-dimensional electrostatic codes and electromagnetic codes, and describes the numerical methods and analysis. Part 2 explores the mathematics and physics behind the algorithms used in Part 1. In Part 3, the authors address some of the more complicated simulations in two and three dimensions. The book introduces projects to encourage practical work Readers can download plasma modeling and simulation software — the ES1 program — with implementations for PCs and Unix systems along with the original FORTRAN source code. Now available in paperback, Plasma Physics via Computer Simulation is an ideal complement to plasma physics courses and for self-study.




Computer Simulation Using Particles


Book Description

Computer simulation of systems has become an important tool in scientific research and engineering design, including the simulation of systems through the motion of their constituent particles. Important examples of this are the motion of stars in galaxies, ions in hot gas plasmas, electrons in semiconductor devices, and atoms in solids and liquids. The behavior of the system is studied by programming into the computer a model of the system and then performing experiments with this model. New scientific insight is obtained by observing such computer experiments, often for controlled conditions that are not accessible in the laboratory. Computer Simulation using Particles deals with the simulation of systems by following the motion of their constituent particles. This book provides an introduction to simulation using particles based on the NGP, CIC, and P3M algorithms and the programming principles that assist with the preparations of large simulation programs based on the OLYMPUS methodology. It also includes case study examples in the fields of astrophysics, plasmas, semiconductors, and ionic solids as well as more detailed mathematical treatment of the models, such as their errors, dispersion, and optimization. This resource will help you understand how engineering design can be assisted by the ability to predict performance using the computer model before embarking on costly and time-consuming manufacture.




Computational Methods in Plasma Physics


Book Description

Assuming no prior knowledge of plasma physics or numerical methods, Computational Methods in Plasma Physics covers the computational mathematics and techniques needed to simulate magnetically confined plasmas in modern magnetic fusion experiments and future magnetic fusion reactors. Largely self-contained, the text presents the basic concepts neces




Numerical Simulation of Plasmas


Book Description




Theory of Low-Temperature Plasma Physics


Book Description

This book offers the reader an overview of the basic approaches to the theoretical description of low-temperature plasmas, covering numerical methods, mathematical models and modeling techniques. The main methods of calculating the cross sections of plasma particle interaction and the solution of the kinetic Boltzmann equation for determining the transport coefficients of the plasma are also presented. The results of calculations of thermodynamic properties, transport coefficients, the equilibrium particle-interaction cross sections and two-temperature plasmas are also discussed. Later chapters consider applications, and the results of simulation and calculation of plasma parameters in induction and arc plasma torches are presented. The complex physical processes in high-frequency plasmas and arc plasmas, the internal and external parameters of plasma torches, near-electrode processes, heat transfer, the flow of solid particles in plasmas and other phenomena are considered. The book is intended for professionals involved in the theoretical study of low-temperature plasmas and the design of plasma torches, and will be useful for advanced students in related areas.