Plasma Physics via Computer Simulation /
C.K. Birdsall, A.B. Langdon.
- Bristol : Institute of Physics Pub., c2005.
- xxiii, 479 p. : ill. ; 24 cm.
- Series in plasma physics .
Includes bibliographical references and index.
PART 1: PRIMER Why attempting to do plasma physics via computer simulation using particles makes good sense Overall view of a one dimensional electrostatic program A one dimensional electrostatic program ES1 Introduction to the numerical methods used Projects for ES1 A 1d electromagnetic program EM1 Projects for EM1 PART 2: THEORY Effects of the spatial grid Effects of the finitw time ste Energy-conserving simulation models Multipole models Kinetic theory for fluctuations and noise; collisions Kinetic properties: theory, experience and heuristic estimates PART 3: PRACTICE Electrostatic programs in two and three dimensions Electromagnetic programs in two and three dimensions Particle loading, injection; boudary conditions and external circuit PART 4: APPENDICES
Plasma Physics via Computer Simulation provides an unrivalled introduction to the subject with its combination of theory and practical projects. 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 using the accompanying CD-ROM. This CD provides plasma modelling and simulation software - the ES1 program - with implementations for PCs and Unix systems along with the original FORTRAN source code.Now available in paperback, this book is an ideal complement to plasma physics courses and for self-study.