Modelling and Simulation in Plasma Physics for Physicists and Mathematicians

Unveiling the Secrets of Plasma Physics: A Practical Guide to Computational Simulations Plasma physics focuses on the most abundant state of matter in the universe, corresponding to ionized gas comprising ions and electrons. It can be created artificially and has a huge range of technological applications, from television displays to fusion energy research. Every application of plasma technology requires its own numerical solution to the complex physical and mathematical equations which govern the research field of plasma physics. Modelling and Simulation in Plasma Physics for Physicists and Mathematics offers an introduction to the principles of simulating plasma physics applications. It provides knowledge not only of the fundamental algorithms in computational fluid mechanics, but also their specific role in a plasma physics context. In addition, the book dissects the challenges and advancements, unveiling the delicate balance between accuracy and computational cost. Modelling and Simulation in Plasma Physics for Physicists and Mathematics readers will also find: Cutting-edge computational insights where powerful simulations meet theoretical complexities, providing physicists and mathematicians a gateway to cutting-edge research. An overview of programming language-agnostic code generation and the construction of adaptable models that resonate with the intricate dynamics of plasma physics, ensuring precision in every simulation. Advanced simplification strategies, including time splitting, analytic models, averaged rates, and tabular material, offering scientists and engineers a roadmap to balance computational demands with scientific rigor. Modelling and Simulation in Plasma Physics for Physicists and Mathematics is ideal for plasma physicists, students, and engineers looking to work with plasma technologies.

Table of Contents:
Preface xiii Acknowledgements xvii Preamble 1 Part I Continuum Methods 5 1 Foundations of Computational Fluid Mechanics 7 1.1 Basic Concepts of Fluid Mechanics 7 1.2 The Basic Equations of Fluid Mechanics 8 1.3 Ideal (Dissipationless) Flow -- Hyperbolic Equations 9 1.4 Formal Solution 11 1.5 Discontinuities 12 1.6 Plasma Fluid Dynamics 14 1.7 Basic Principles of Finite Differencing 15 1.8 Conservative Finite-Difference Approximations 19 1.9 Numerical Fluid Approximations 21 1.10 Grid Geometry 22 1.11 Control Volume Differencing 22 1.12 Mesh Types 24 2 Analytic and Quasi-Analytic Approximations 29 2.1 Analytic and Quasi-Analytic Methods 29 3 Numerical Fluid Dynamics in the Eulerian Scheme 41 3.1 An Introduction to Steady-State Engineering Design Models 41 3.2 Spatial Differencing 45 3.3 Generalised Euler Schemes 49 4 Lagrangian Systems 75 4.1 Lagrangian Fluid Dynamics 75 4.2 One-Dimensional von Neumann--Richtmyer Algorithm 76 4.3 Multidimensional Lagrangian Schemes 80 4.4 Choice of Method 88 5 Arbitrary Lagrangian--Eulerian Schemes 89 5.1 Introduction 89 5.2 Step 1: The Lagrangian Stage 91 5.3 Step 2: The Iteration Stage 91 5.4 Step 3: Mesh Generation 92 5.5 Step 4: Re-zoning 92 6 Hybrid or 11/2 d Schemes 95 6.1 Introduction 95 7 Magneto-Hydrodynamics 105 7.1 Introduction 105 7.2 The MHD Equations 106 7.3 MHD Equations 112 7.4 Conjugate Conservative Operators 114 7.5 Finite-Difference Approximations 115 7.6 Cylindrical Geometry -- Self-Generated Magnetic Fields 116 Part II Particle Methods 119 8 Particle in Cell Simulations 121 8.1 Introduction 121 Part III Stochastic Methods 135 9 Monte Carlo Schemes 137 9.1 Monte Carlo Methods 137 9.2 Monte Carlo Integration 143 9.3 RandomWalks 145 9.4 Nuclear Reactor Criticality 145 9.5 Thermodynamic Properties and Equation of State 151 10 Numerical Diffusion Schemes 167 10.1 Introduction 167 10.2 Split-Time-Step and ADI Methods for Solving Diffusion Problems in Orthogonal Cartesian Grid Systems 169 10.3 The Diffusion Matrix 174 11 Ion--Electron Equilibration 185 12 Ionisation--Recombination Models 187 12.1 Introduction 187 12.2 Collisional-Radiative Model 188 12.3 Two-Stage Model 202 References 247 Index 251