Particle simulation of plasmas

TLDR

Particle simulations on high‑speed computers provide insights into high‑degree‑of‑freedom plasmas beyond traditional experimental and theoretical methods. The method tracks many charged particles moving in self‑consistent electric and magnetic fields. With proper diagnostics, these numerical experiments reveal distribution functions, linear and nonlinear behavior, stochastic and transport phenomena, and approach to steady state, guiding and verifying theoretical models and aiding experimental interpretation.

Abstract

For plasma with a large number of degrees of freedom, particle simulation using high-speed computers can offer insights and information that supplement those gained by traditional experimental and theoretical approaches. The technique follows the motion of a large assembly of charged particles in their self-consistent electric and magnetic fields. With proper diagnostics, these numerical experiments reveal such details as distribution functions, linear and nonlinear behavior, stochastic and transport phenomena, and approach to steady state. Such information can both guide and verify theoretical modeling of the physical processes underlying complex phenomena. It can also be used in the interpretation of experiments.