Random walk solution to the spherical continuum electrostatic probe problem
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
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Thesis
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Highly negative electric probes in a flowing continuum plasma
MODEL OF THE FIELD LINE RANDOM WALK EVOLUTION AND APPROACH TO ASYMPTOTIC DIFFUSION IN MAGNETIC TURBULENCE