Principles of Plasma Physics for Engineers and Scientists
Principles of Plasma Physics for Engineers and Scientists
This unified introduction provides the tools and techniques needed to analyze plasmas and connects plasma phenomena to other fields of study. Combining mathematical rigor with qualitative explanations, and linking theory to practice with example problems, this is a perfect textbook for senior undergraduate and graduate students taking one-semester introductory plasma physics courses. For the first time, material is presented in the context of unifying principles, illustrated using organizational charts, and structured in a successive progression from single particle motion, to kinetic theory and average values, through to collective phenomena of waves in plasma. This provides students with a stronger understanding of the topics covered, their interconnections, and when different types of plasma models are applicable. Furthermore, mathematical derivations are rigorous, yet concise, so physical understanding is not lost in lengthy mathematical treatments. Worked examples illustrate practical applications of theory and students can test their new knowledge with 90 end-of-chapter problems.
- Provides the tools and techniques needed to analyze plasmas and connects plasma phenomena to other fields of study
- For the first time, material is presented in the context of unifying principles, illustrated using organizational charts, and structured in a successive progression
- Example problems illustrate how theories and formulas are used in technological applications
Reviews & endorsements
'I have been teaching introductory plasma physics to senior undergraduates and beginning graduate students for many years, and I find the level of the presentation of material, the order that the topics are presented, and the overall length of the book to be an excellent match for my needs in a textbook.' David Hammer, Cornell University
'The authors have done an excellent job in introducing the vast scope of plasma physics for basic plasma physics courses. The schematic illustrations and flow charts used are especially helpful in understanding the complexities involved in the hierarchal nature of plasmas. Mathematics is kept at just the right level for the intended readers and the descriptions of the physical processes are clear. Although this book is targeted to advanced undergraduate or beginning graduate students, it will be a good addition to the personal library of every plasma physicist.' Gurudas Ganguli, Naval Research Laboratory
'This new book provides an excellent summary of the basic processes occurring in plasmas together with a comprehensive introduction to the mathematical formulation of fluid (MHD) and kinetic theory. It provides an excellent introduction to the subject suitable for senior undergraduate students or entry-level graduate students.' Richard M. Thorne, University of California, Los Angeles
Product details
No date availableHardback
9780521193726
286 pages
253 × 195 × 18 mm
0.76kg
59 b/w illus. 83 exercises
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Single particle motion
- 3. Kinetic theory of plasmas
- 4. Moments of the Boltzmann equation
- 5. Multiple fluid theory of plasmas
- 6. Single fluid theory of plasmas: magnetohydrodynamics
- 7. Collisions and plasma conductivity
- 8. Plasma diffusion
- 9. Introduction to waves in plasmas
- 10. Waves in cold magnetized plasmas
- 11. Effects of collisions, ions and finite temperature on waves in magnetized plasmas
- 12. Waves in hot plasmas
- 13. Plasma sheath and the Langmuir probe
- Appendix A. Derivation of second moment of the Boltzmann equation
- Appendix B. Useful vector identities.
