Atoms have a nucleus, with electrons orbiting at different levels (acknowledge that this is greatly simplified)
These particles are charged
i.e.: can use magnets to manipulate plasma, such as in a fusion reaction
Magnetohydrodynamics
Little bit of history:
Crookes called it ‘radiant matter’
Three major characteristics: temperature, density, potentials, in order of importance
Relative temperatures, as stated on first slide
Also known as technological plasmas
Generally ‘man-made’
Degree of ionization is close to 100%
Usually natural processes as opposed to man-made
Also in fire
So they allow us to make the needed approximations
Navier-Stokes equations and Maxwell’s equations combine to describe electrically conducting fluids. Plasmas fit this description.
These differential equations must be solved simultaneously; in all but the most trivial cases, symbolic (algebraic) solutions are impossible.
Super computers have been used to find numerical solutions