Plasma Simulations by Example

The study of plasmas (ionized gases) is crucial to improving our understanding of the universe. Plasmas also play a role in many engineering applications, including spacecraft thrusters, plasma medicine, and fusion energy. The goal of this book is to introduce the reader to the numerical methods on which plasma simulations are based with the help of easy to follow C++ examples. The book focuses primarily on the kinetic Particle in Cell (PIC) method, but fluid approaches are also covered. This text will be invaluable to advanced undergraduates, graduate students, or researchers entering the field of numerical plasma physics.Features:Provides a step-by-step introduction to plasma simulations with easy to follow examplesDiscusses the electrostatic and electromagnetic Particle in Cell (PIC) method on structured and unstructured meshes, magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), and Vlasov solversCovered 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 rarefied gas simulation codes for electric propulsion and contamination transport. 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 electric propulsion spacecraft interaction. His Ph.D. work focused on multiscale modeling of Hall thrusters. 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. Read more