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Published on: August 1, 2017
Lattice Boltzmann method for weakly ionized isothermal plasmas.
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1226, USA.
Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics
|February 1, 2008
Summary
A new lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) model for weakly ionized plasmas was developed using a rescaling scheme. This approach ensures physically realistic simulations, validated by electrostatic wave and diffusion studies in helium plasmas.
Area of Science:
- Plasma Physics
- Computational Physics
Background:
- Simulating weakly ionized plasmas requires accurate numerical methods.
- Standard lattice Boltzmann methods (LBM) may face challenges with non-physical results due to large relaxation times.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a modified lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) for simulating weakly ionized isothermal plasmas.
- To address the issue of non-physical results arising from large nondimensional relaxation times in LBM.
Main Methods:
- Developed a lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) incorporating a rescaling scheme for the Boltzmann transport equation.
- Applied the developed LBM model to simulate electrostatic waves and diffusion processes in plasmas.
Main Results:
- The rescaling scheme in LBM prevents excessively large nondimensional relaxation times, leading to physically realistic plasma simulations.
- Simulations of singly ionized helium plasmas (1-3% ionization) under an electric field showed good agreement with theoretical values.
Conclusions:
- The developed LBM with rescaling is a viable and accurate method for simulating weakly ionized isothermal plasmas.
- This model provides a reliable tool for studying plasma phenomena like wave propagation and diffusion.
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