Introduction to Plasma Physics and its Space Applications

✍ Scribed by Luis Conde

• Publisher: Iop Publishing
• Year: 2020
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 124
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

This book is a brief introduction to plasma physics. The book is divided into two parts, focusing initially on molecular collisions, before moving on to examine the physical description of plasmas as a system of interacting particles. Basic concepts are introduced in a simple way and mathematical developments and demonstrations are covered thoroughly. The fundamental processes in a plasma at the atomic and molecular level are discussed, with updated experimental data sets provided. Each chapter concludes with references and commentaries for further insight in the essential points. Two important applications of plasma physics in aerospace technology are introduced in the last chapters: the electric propulsion in space and low-pressure microwave electric discharges, currently denominated multipactor and corona. The book is for Master and undergraduate courses of aerospace engineering and physics. It is also aimed at both non-specialists and professionals involved in laboratory testing for space qualification.

Key Features



• Self contained introduction to plasma physics
• Covers molecular processes and interactions of particles as a system
• Written for Master and undergraduate courses

✦ Table of Contents

PRELIMS.pdf
Preface
Acknowledgements
Author biography
Luis Conde
Acronyms
CH001.pdf
Chapter 1 Introduction to the physical models for plasmas
CH002.pdf
Chapter 2 Elements of plasma kinetic theory
2.1 The Boltzmann equation
2.2 Relaxation model for molecular collisions
2.3 The Boltzmann collision integral
2.3.1 Qualitative derivation
2.3.2 Approximations
2.3.3 The Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution
2.4 Commentaries and further reading
References
CH003.pdf
Chapter 3 Hydrodynamic description of plasmas
3.1 The moments of Boltzmann equation
3.1.1 The equation of continuity
3.1.2 The momentum transport equation
3.1.3 The friction force
3.1.4 The energy transport equation
3.2 The hydrodynamic plasma transport equations
3.2.1 The closure of the transport equations
3.2.2 The cold and warm plasma models
3.2.3 The diffusion approximation
3.3 Electron and ion waves
3.3.1 Neutral gas sound waves
3.3.2 Ion waves
3.3.3 Electron waves
3.4 The Langmuir sheath
3.4.1 Bohm criterion
3.4.2 Child–Langmuir law
3.4.3 Space-charge neutralization
3.5 Commentaries and further reading
References
CH004.pdf
Chapter 4 Introduction to electric discharges
4.1 DC electric discharges
4.1.1 Vacuum breakdown in DC fields
4.2 Microwave discharges
4.3 Breakdown in high frequency fields
4.4 Commentaries and further reading
References
CH005.pdf
Chapter 5 The multipactor discharge
5.1 The electron multipactor discharge
5.2 The multipactor discharge model
5.3 Commentaries and further reading
References
CH006.pdf
Chapter 6 Introduction to plasma propulsion in space
6.1 Basic orbital maneuvers
6.2 The Tsiolkovsky equation
6.3 Thrust and specific impulse
6.4 Electric propulsion principles
6.4.1 Efficiencies
6.5 Modified Tsiolkovsky equation
6.6 Classification of electric thrusters
6.6.1 Electrothermal
6.6.2 Electrostatic
6.6.3 Electromagnetic
6.7 Commentaries and further reading
References
APP1.pdf
Chapter
Reference
APP2.pdf
Chapter
B.1 The Klimontovich equation
B.2 Phase space averaging
B.3 Commentaries and further reading
References