A Grid-Based Coulomb Collision Model for PIC Codes

Hybrid simulation methods in which ions are treated by particle-in- cell and electrons are treated as a massless fluid have proven to be useful for modeling a variety of low frequency plasma phenomena. In addition to the massless electron approximation, usually the models assume quasineutrality and the Darwin approximation to Maxwell's equations. We have considered a hybrid model in which the Darwin approximation is not used. Rather the full set of Maxwell's equations are solved. This model appears to particularly suited to modeling situation in which the plasma has a finite extent i.e., where high density plasma is next to vacuum. This model allows electromagnetic waves to propagate in the vacuum and to be properly handled in the plasma. 5 refs., 1 fig.

Michael E. Jones

Papers

A fully electromagnetic hybrid model for high density plasma simulations