Introduction to Plasmas and Plasma Dynamics

With Plasma Physics Applications to Space Propulsion, Magnetic Fusion and Space Physics

2nd Edition - May 1, 2024
Authors: Hai-Bin Tang, Thomas M. York
Language: English
Paperback ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 4 4 3 - 1 3 6 9 9 - 3
eBook ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 4 4 3 - 1 3 7 0 0 - 6

Introduction to Plasmas and Plasma Dynamics: With Plasma Physics Applications to Space Propulsion, Second Edition provides an accessible introduction to the understan… Read more

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Introduction to Plasmas and Plasma Dynamics: With Plasma Physics Applications to Space Propulsion, Second Edition provides an accessible introduction to the understanding of the high temperature, ionized gases necessary to conduct research and develop applications related to plasmas. Thoroughly updated and expanded, this second edition is also amended for greater ease of use with the inclusion of self-study problems. New chapters addressing numerical methods in plasmas, the kinetic description and analysis of plasma, and the chemistry of the ionosphere open up this subject to a broader range of readers.

Starting with the essential theory, this book goes on to describe relevant devices and mechanisms, before presenting a clear outline of the analysis and numerical details of plasma. The latest trends, concepts, and applications in plasma engineering are also addressed, including plasma formation and magnetic fusion, plasma thrusters and space propulsion.

Cover image
Title page
Table of Contents
Copyright
Dedication
Preface
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1. The plasma medium and plasma devices
Abstract
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Plasmas in nature
1.3 Plasmas in laboratory/device applications
Quiz
References
I: Physics concepts
Chapter 2. Kinetic theory of gases
Abstract
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Basic hypotheses of kinetic theory
2.3 Pressure, temperature, and internal energy concepts
2.4 Kinetic theory and transport processes
2.5 Mathematical formulation of equilibrium kinetic theory
Quizzes
References
Chapter 3. Molecular energy distribution and ionization in gases
Abstract
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Molecular energy
3.3 Ionization in gases
Quizzes
References
Chapter 4. Electromagnetics
Abstract
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Electric charges and electric fields-electrostatics
4.3 Electric currents and magnetic fields-magnetostatics
4.4 Conservation of charge
4.5 Faraday’s law
4.6 Ampere’s law
4.7 Maxwell’s equations
4.8 Forces and currents due to applied fields
4.9 Plasma behavior in gas discharges
4.10 Illustrative applications of Maxwell’s equations
Quizzes
References
II: Plasma concepts
Chapter 5. Plasma parameters and regimes of interaction
Abstract
5.1 Introduction
5.2 External parameters
5.3 Particle (collision) parameters
5.4 Sheath formation and effects
5.5 Plasma oscillations and plasma frequency
5.6 Magnetic field related parameters
5.7 Electrostatic particle collection in Langmuir probes
Quizzes
References
Chapter 6. Particle orbit theory
Abstract
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Charged particle motion in constant, uniform magnetic(B) field
6.3 Particle motion in uniform electric and magnetic fields
6.4 Particle motion in spatially varying (inhomogeneous) magnetic fields
6.5 Particle motion with curvature of the magnetic field lines
6.6 Particle motion in time-varying magnetic field
6.7 Particle trapping in magnetic mirrors
6.8 Adiabatic invariants
Quizzes
References
Chapter 7. Macroscopic equations of plasmas
Abstract
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Electromagnetic energy and momentum addition to plasma
7.3 Conservation equations of magnetofluid mechanics
7.4 Single field equations of magnetofluid mechanics
7.5 The magnetohydrodynamics approximations
7.6 Similarity parameters
Quizzes
References
Chapter 8. Hydromagnetics: fluid behavior of plasmas
Abstract
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Basic equations of continuum plasma dynamics
8.3 Transport effects in plasma and plasma devices
8.4 Kinematics (and dynamics) of magnetic fields in plasma
8.5 Magnetohydrostatics
8.6 Hydromagnetic stability
8.7 Waves in plasma: propagation of perturbations
8.8 Fluid waves and shock waves in plasma
Quizzes
References
Chapter 9. Introduction to kinetic behavior and analysis
Abstract
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Kinetic description of plasma
9.3 Boltzmann and Vlasov equations for the particle number density distribution function
9.4 The link between Vlasov and MHD equations
9.5 Kinetic analysis—basic electron waves
9.6 Particle collision models
References
Chapter 10. Numerical simulation and plasma representation
Abstract
10.1 Introduction
10.2 Magnetohydrodynamics simulation
10.3 Particle-in-cell simulation
10.4 Particle–fluid hybrid simulation
10.5 Direct kinetic simulation
Quizzes
References
Part III: Plasma physics applications
Chapter 11. Plasma acceleration and energy conversion
Abstract
11.1 Introduction
11.2 Channel flow: steady and one-dimensional
11.3 Hydromagnetic channel flow with viscous interactions
11.4 Channel flow with electromagnetic acceleration of gas to supersonic conditions
11.5 Flow control utilizing plasma interactions
References
Chapter 12. Plasma thrusters
Abstract
12.1 Introduction
12.2 Electromagnetic terms affecting plasma momentum and energy
12.3 Pulsed plasma thrusters (electromagnetic—pulsed, unsteady)
12.4 Magnetoplasmadynamic and applied-field magnetoplasmadynamic arc (electromagnetic—steady or quasisteady)
12.5 Ion thruster
12.6 Hall thruster
References
Chapter 13. Magnetic compression and heating
Abstract
13.1 Introduction
13.2 Dynamic (theta) pinch
13.3 Plasma flow within magnetic field lines—collisional
References
Chapter 14. Wave heating of plasmas
Abstract
14.1 Introduction
14.2 Heating by plasma waves
14.3 Collisionless heating—Landau damping
14.4 Plasma wave heating for space propulsion
14.5 Laser heating of plasmas (theta pinch)
References
Chapter 15. Magnetic fusion plasmas
Abstract
15.1 Introduction
15.2 Z-pinch—plasma parameters and device development
15.3 Applied toroidal field configurations—plasma parameters and device development
15.4 Compact toroids—plasma parameters and device development
15.5 Reactor concept description (ITER)
15.6 Burning plasma physics
References
Chapter 16. Space plasma environment and plasma dynamics
Abstract
16.1 Introduction
16.2 The solar wind and geomagnetic plasma flow
16.3 Geophysical magnetosphere and bow shock
16.4 Solar wind and magnetosphere coupling
16.5 Ionosphere region of the Earth
16.6 Space plasma experiments
References
Answers to the quizzes
1 Chapter 2 reference answers
2 Chapter 3 reference answers
3 Chapter 4 reference answers
4 Chapter 5 reference answers
5 Chapter 6 reference answers
6 Chapter 7 reference answers
7 Chapter 8 reference answers
8 Chapter 10 reference answers
Appendix A. Conversion between MKS and Gaussian system
A.1 Units
A.2 Formulas
Appendix B. Evaluation and values of definite integrals related to Maxwellian distribution functions
Appendix C. Nomenclature
Index

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Hai-Bin Tang