Computational modeling of fully ionized magnetized plasmas using the fluid approximation

Abstract

Strongly magnetized plasmas are rich in spatial and temporal scales, making a computational approach useful for studying these systems. The most accurate model of a magnetized plasma is based on a kinetic equation that describes the evolution of the distribution function for each species in six-dimensional phase space. High dimensionality renders this approach impractical for computations for long time scales. Fluid models are an approximation to the kinetic model. The reduced dimensionality allows a wider range of spatial and∕or temporal scales to be explored. Computational modeling requires understanding the ordering and closure approximations, the fundamental waves supported by the equations, and the numerical properties of the discretization scheme. Several ordering and closure schemes are reviewed and discussed, as are their normal modes, and algorithms that can be applied to obtain a numerical solution.