Plasma hydrodynamics from mean force kinetic theory

Journal Article · Fri Apr 03 00:00:00 EDT 2026 · Physics of Plasmas

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0311862· OSTI ID:3029948

LeVan, Jarett ^[1]; Baalrud, Scott D. ^[1]

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1. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States)

Mean force kinetic theory is used to evaluate the electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, electrothermal coefficient, thermoelectric coefficient, and shear viscosity of a two-component plasma. The results are compared with molecular dynamics simulations. These simulations are made possible by assuming a repulsive Coulomb force for all interactions. Good agreement is found for all coefficients up to a Coulomb coupling strength of Γ ≈ 20. This is over 100-times larger than the coupling strength at which traditional theories break down. It is concluded that mean force kinetic theory is a promising framework for extending hydrodynamics to dense plasmas.

• Research Organization: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
• Grant/Contract Number: NA0004148; NA0004185
• OSTI ID: 3029948
• Journal Information: Physics of Plasmas, Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 33; ISSN 1070-664X; ISSN 1089-7674
• Publisher: American Institute of Physics (AIP)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

Electrical conductivity
Electrostatics
Hydrodynamics
Kinetic theory
Molecular dynamics
Nonequilibrium statistical mechanics
Plasma collisions
Thermal conductivity
Thermoelectricity
Viscosity