Random walk solution to the spherical continuum electrostatic probe problem

Technical Report · Fri Dec 06 04:00:00 EST 1974

OSTI ID:7354409

Dreyer, K A

The Monte Carlo random-walk numerical technique is developed and applied to the spherical continuum electrostatic probe equations. Random-walk theory is treated in detail and its advantages and restrictions are presented. Emphasis is placed upon the algorithm for solution to second-order ordinary differential equations. Continuum probe theory is reviewed and a new set of boundary conditions for electron and ion densities at the probe surface is presented. The momentum transport equations are reduced to second order to allow a random-walk solution and to delete the explicit appearance of the electron and ion currents. Internal plasma profiles for electron and ion densities and for the voltage, parameterized current-voltage data, and values of current as a function of plasma properties, are presented for the case of equal electron and ion temperatures. (GRA)

• Research Organization: Air Force Inst. of Tech., Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio (USA). School of Engineering
• OSTI ID: 7354409
• Report Number(s): AD/A-005286; GNE/PH-75-5
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700102* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Diagnostics
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
ELECTRON DENSITY
ELECTROSTATIC PROBES
EQUATIONS
ION DENSITY
MONTE CARLO METHOD
PLASMA
PLASMA DIAGNOSTICS
PROBES