Credits: 5

Schedule: 08.01.2019 - 27.05.2019

Teaching Period (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020): 

III - V Spring (2018-2019, 2019-2020)

Learning Outcomes (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020): 

The student understands the theoretical framework behind various numerical models used to simulate physical plasmas and is aware of their limitations. The student knows most common algorithms to solve typical problems and can write/use a simple simulation code.

Content (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020): 

While the introductory plasma physics course (PHYS-E0461) concentrated on the most simplified description of the plasma, in this course we will mainly focus on phenomena with kinetic effects. This means moving from 1-dimensional problems to 2- and 3-dimensional ones. The student is guided to understand how to come up with a reduced description of a given plasma physics phenomenon, suitable for number crunching on (super-) computers, and how to decide between various algorithms and integrators, depending on the problem. Particular emphasis is given to the interactions in the plasma, with comparisons of the availability and usefulness between different collision operators. Phenomena easily rendered for minority test particle approach are handled in more detail, but the challenging problem of modelling plasma turbulence is also treated.

Assessment Methods and Criteria (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020): 

theoretical homework

numerical mini-projects

exam

Workload (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020): 

Lectures 24 h, homework for lectures 12 h, exercises 24 h, homework for exercises 24 h, preparing for exam 24 h, project works 20 h, exam 4 h

Study Material (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020): 

lecture notes and web material

Course Homepage (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020): 

https://mycourses.aalto.fi/course/search.php?search=PHYS-E0566

Prerequisites (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020): 

Basic skills of a MSc-level student. Course 'Introduction to plasma physics for space and fusion applications' highly recommended.

Grading Scale (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020): 

0-5

Registration for Courses (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020): 

Registration via WebOodi.

Description

Registration and further information