Computational Math Seminar: Ben Sturdevant
Plasma, Fusion, and Particle-in-Cell Simulation
Ben Sturdevant
Applied Mathematics,Ìý
Date and time:Ìý
Tuesday, November 3, 2015 - 11:00am
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GRVW 105
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In this talk some of the basic concepts of magnetically confined fusion will be introduced. In the temperature range for which fusion can occur, the fuel exists in a state of matter known as plasma. A plasma is a low density collection of free electrical charges (ions and electrons) which exhibits a wide variety of collective behaviors through long range electromagnetic forces. Essential to the development of a viable fusion reactor is an understanding of plasma dynamics and how collective behaviors can lead to particle and heat losses preventing sustained fusion reactions. The particle-in-cell method for plasma simulation will be presented along with a model for a plasma instability known as the ion temperature gradient (ITG) instability in a toroidal plasma.