Computational Methods in Plasma Physics

Assuming no prior knowledge of plasma physics or numerical methods, Computational Methods in Plasma Physics covers the computational mathematics and techniques needed to simulate magnetically confined plasmas in modern magnetic fusion experiments and future magnetic fusion reactors. Largely self-contained, the text presents the basic concepts neces

Stephen Jardin is a Principal Research Physicist at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, where he is head of the Theoretical Magnetohydrodynamics Division and co-head of the Computational Plasma Physics Group. He is also a professor in the Department of Astrophysical Sciences at Princeton University and Director and Principal Investigator of the SciDAC Center for Extended Magnetohydrodynamic Modeling. Dr. Jardin is the primary developer of several widely used fusion plasma simulation codes and is currently a U.S. member of the International Tokamak Physics Activity that advises the physics staff of ITER, the world's largest fusion experiment.

Introduction to Magnetohydrodynamic Equations. Introduction to Finite Difference Equations. Finite Difference Methods for Elliptic Equations. Plasma Equilibrium. Magnetic Flux Coordinates in a Torus. Diffusion and Transport in Axisymmetric Geometry. Numerical Methods for Parabolic Equations. Methods of Ideal MHD Stability Analysis. Numerical Methods for Hyperbolic Equations. Spectral Methods for Initial Value Problems. The Finite Element Method. Bibliography. Index.