 |
Center for Nonlinear Studies |
The use of particle methods for computational studies of plasmas has a long history, going back nearly 50 years. While these methods have enjoyed widespread use, their theoretical underpinnings are largely ad-hoc and empirical. I will discuss some recent results concerning, arguably, the most general possible class of particle methods. Beginning with the underly action principle governing plasma dynamics, I will present a systematic construction of particle-based models. This approach makes clear the means by which particle models inherit conservation laws from the underlying dynamics. Furthermore, these new models remove many of the restrictions present in existing models that were once though to be intrinsic.
Host: Humberto C Godinez Vazquez, Mathematical Modeling and Analysis Theoretical Division, 5-9188