Computer simulation of statistical plasma mechanics (an example of undergraduate research)

Journal Article · Thu Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1978 · Am. J. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1119/1.11226· OSTI ID:6927250

Theimer, O; Theimer, M M

A plasma containing only a small number N< or =150 of electrons and ions in a cubical volume V=L/sup 3/ is studied theoretically. The electrostatic potential energy U/sup ..cap alpha..//sub N/ is computed for a large number N< or =20000 of random particle configurations, labeled ..cap alpha... The values U/sup ..cap alpha..//sub N/ are used for determining the density of states G/sub N/(U/sub N/) and the thermal average U-bar/sub N/ of the potential energy. Upper and lower limits for N and N as functions of density and temperature are presented which show that the computer simulation is most convenient for high density, low temperature plasmas for which conventional analytical methods become very complicated. The properties of G/sub N/(U/sub N/) and U-bar/sub N/ are discussed and it is demonstrated that U-bar/sub N/ approaches the Debye-Hueckel value U/sub D/ in an oscillatory manner if the ratio L/lambda/sub D/ increases beyond unity, where lambda/sub D/ is the Debye shielding length. Suggestions for future work are made.

• Research Organization: New Mexico State University, Arts and Sciences Research Center, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003
• OSTI ID: 6927250
• Journal Information: Am. J. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. J. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 46:6; ISSN AJPIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700103* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Kinetics
COMPUTER CALCULATIONS
ENERGY
FLUCTUATIONS
MECHANICS
PLASMA SIMULATION
POTENTIAL ENERGY
STATISTICAL MECHANICS
VARIATIONS