Plasma Theory and Simulation
Abstract
General Plasma Theory and Simulation: A magnetized plasma next to an absorbing wall is simulated, showing positive wall charging causing a large E- field near the wall, then a large ExB drift, then a Kevlin-Helmholtz instability, vortices and coalescence. Particle transport to the walls is Bohm- like for Omega sub pl > Omega sub ci. A kinetic theory, allowing finite ion Larmor radii, general magnetic field geometries and plasma equilibria, has been developed for hydromagnetic Alfven waves excited within the Earth's magnetosphere by the storm-time energetic ring-current particles. Multi-time and space scaling for bounded plasmas is being developed using an implicit method. It is found that using large time steps, (Omega sub ce) (Delta t > 1) provides reliable guiding center motions for single particles. Electron-neutral elastic scattering is added to ES1 readily. Runs with initial beam verify predictions. RF heating (ECRH) is shown to work well with PIC simulations, providing results very similar to a Monte Carlo RF heating code. Keywords: Plasma theory, Plasma wall interactions, Large potentials in plasmas.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 31, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA199454
Entities
People
- Charles K. Birdsall
Organizations
- University of California, Berkeley