Separation-of-variables approximation to the Boltzmann equation

Journal Article · Mon Jul 15 00:00:00 EDT 1991 · Physical Review, A; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.44.1405· OSTI ID:5587889

Drallos, P J; Riley, M E ^[1]

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1. Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185 (US)

We have tested a separation-of-variables approximation for the electron velocity distribution function in the Boltzmann equation. In this approximation, the distribution function {ital f}{sub {ital e}}({ital z},{nu}{sub {ital z}},{nu}{sub {ital r}},{ital t}) is represented as the product of two functions {ital F}({ital z},{nu}{sub {ital z}},{ital t}) and {ital G}({ital z},{nu}{sub {ital r}},{ital t}). This approximation can represent very anisotropic distributions, while effectively reducing the dimensionality of the calculation. We have implemented this approximation using a method of characteristics, and have applied it to argon and neon gas for a wide range of applied electric fields.

• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• OSTI ID: 5587889
• Journal Information: Physical Review, A; (United States), Journal Name: Physical Review, A; (United States) Vol. 44:2; ISSN 1050-2947; ISSN PLRAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700103* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Kinetics
ANALYTICAL SOLUTION
BOLTZMANN EQUATION
CALCULATION METHODS
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
DISTRIBUTION FUNCTIONS
ELECTRONS
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
EQUATIONS
ERRORS
FERMIONS
FUNCTIONS
LEPTONS
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
VELOCITY