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NE 591 606 Computational Plasma Physics

NE 591 606 Computational Plasma Physics

March 28, 2025

3 Credit Hours

Special Topics in Nuclear Engineering: Computational Plasma Physics.

Prerequisites

NE 528 or instructor approval.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Select an appropriate model for a given plasma problem.
  • Determine whether a computational model is converged.
  • Describe the limitations and key assumptions of particle-in-cell and fluid models.
  • Apply a computational model to a plasma problem of interest to you and analyze the results.

Course Outline

  • Introduction
  • Particle Methods
  • Fluid Methods
  • Hybrid Methods and Special Topics

Course Requirements

Completion and submission of homeworks as assigned (approximately 5). Final project composed of written proposal, interim report, final report, and (arranged) final presentation.

Textbook

Optional Materials:

  1. Toshi Tajima, Computational Plasma Physics: With Applications to Fusion and Astrophysics, 1st Edition, E-book: $80, Physical copy: $85.
  2. C. K. Birdsall and A. B. Langdon, Plasma Physics via Computer Simulation Ebook/Paperback: $90.
  3. S. Jardin, Computational Methods in Plasma Physics, 1st Edition, Ebook: $50, Physical copy: $125.

Created: 03/28/2025