An Introduction To Plasma Physics And Its Space Applications

The growing number of scientific and technological applications of plasma physics in the field of Aerospace Engineering requires that graduate students and professionals understand their principles. This introductory book is the expanded version of class notes of lectures I taught for several years to students of Aerospace Engineering and Physics. It is intended as a reading guide, addressed to students and non-specialists to tackle later with more advanced texts. To make the subject more accessible the book does not follow the usual organization of standard textbooks in this field and is divided in two parts. The first introduces the basic kinetic theory (molecular collisions, mean free path, etc.) of neutral gases in equilibrium in connection to the undergraduate physics courses. The basic properties of ionized gases and plasmas (Debye length, plasma frequencies, etc.) are addressed in relation to their equilibrium states and the collisional processes at the microscopic level. The physical description of short and long-range (Coulomb) collisions and the more relevant collisions (elementary processes) between electrons' ions and neutral atoms or molecules are discussed. The second part introduces the physical description of plasmas as a statistical system of interacting particles introducing advanced concepts of kinetic theory, (non-equilibrium distribution functions, Boltzmann collision operator, etc). The fluid transport equations for plasmas of electron ions and neutral atoms and the hydrodynamic models of interest in space science and plasma technology are derived. The plasma production in the laboratory in the context of the physics of electric breakdown is also discussed. Finally, among the myriad of aerospace applications of plasma physics, the low pressure microwave electron multipactor breakdown and plasma thrusters for space propulsion are presented in two separate chapters.

Then, for growing temperatures the kinetic energy of an increasing fraction of the atoms liesover the ionization thresholdEIof the the neutral gas. The collisions of these energeticparticles may produce the ionization of a neutral gas atom. Consequently, the degree ofionization and the thermal temperature of the neutral gas are closely related magnitudes.This is why the plasma state is frequently associated with high temperature gases, becausethey reach an equilibrium state where its atoms become fully or partially ionized.

This book is an informal introduction to plasma physics and its space applications for non-specialist professionals and aerospace engineering students.

The growing number of scientific and technological applications of plasma physics in the field of aerospace engineering requires graduate students and professionals to understand their principles. This book is intended as a reading guide that is accessible to students and non-specialists. It covers the basic kinetic theory of neutral gases in equilibrium, as well as the physical description of plasmas as a statistical system of interacting particles, and advanced concepts of kinetic theory.

"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." -- Prové de l'editor.

Introducing the principles and applications of plasma physics, this new edition is ideal as an advanced undergraduate or graduate-level text.