Introduction to Plasmas and Plasma Dynamics: With Plasma Physics Applications to Space Propulsion, Magnetic Fusion and Space Physics, Second Edition provides an accessible introduction to the understanding of high temperature, ionized gases necessary to conduct research and develop applications related to plasmas. Thoroughly updated and expanded, this sec Describes plasma applications with close reference to elementary processes, promoting a deeper understanding of plasmas in new fields Provides structured problems in every chapter that help readers grasp the book’s practical lessons Includes a new chapter on numerical methods in plasmas that adds crucial context for experimental approaches

This valuable resource summarizes the past fifty years' basic research accomplishments in plasma dynamics for aerospace engineering, presenting these results in a comprehensive volume that will be an asset to any professional in the field. It offers a comprehensive review of the foundation of plasma dynamics while integrating the most recently developed modeling and simulation techniques with the theoretic physics, including the state-of-the-art numerical algorithms. Several first-ever demonstrations for innovations and incisive explanations for previously unexplained observations are included. All the necessary formulations for technical evaluation to engineering applications are derived from the first principle by statistic and quantum mechanics, and led to physics-based computational simulations for practical applications. The computer-aided procedures directly engage the reader to duplicate findings that are nearly impossible by using ground-based experimental facilities. Plasma Dynamics for Aerospace Engineering will allow readers to reach an incisive understanding of plasma physics.

Plasma Engineering, Second Edition, applies the unique properties of plasmas (ionized gases) to improve processes and performance over many fields, such as materials processing, spacecraft propulsion and nanofabrication. The book considers this rapidly expanding discipline from a unified standpoint, addressing fundamentals of physics and modeling, as well as new and real-word applications in aerospace, nanotechnology and bioengineering. This updated edition covers the fundamentals of plasma physics at a level suitable for students using application examples and contains the widest variety of applications of any text on the market, spanning the areas of aerospace engineering, nanotechnology and nanobioengineering. This is highly useful for courses on plasma engineering or plasma physics in departments of Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Physics. It is also useful as an introduction to plasma engineering and its applications for early career researchers and practicing engineers. Features new material relevant to application, including emerging areas of plasma nanotechnology and medicine Contains a new chapter on plasma-based control, as well as a description of RF and microwave-based plasma applications, plasma lighting, reforming and other most recent application areas Provides a technical treatment of the fundamental and engineering principles used in plasma applications

Provides a comprehensive review and usable problem-solving techniques for aerospace engineering plasma applications.

As the twenty-first century progresses, plasma technology will play an increasing role in our lives, providing new sources of energy, ion–plasma processing of materials, wave electromagnetic radiation sources, space plasma thrusters, and more. Studies of the plasma state of matter not only accelerate technological developments but also improve the understanding of natural phenomena. Beginning with an introduction to the characteristics and types of plasmas, Introduction to Plasma Dynamics covers the basic models of classical diffuse plasmas used to describe such phenomena as linear and shock waves, stationary flows, elements of plasma chemistry, and principles of plasma lasers. The author presents specific examples to demonstrate how to use the models and to familiarize readers with modern plasma technologies. The book describes structures of magnetic fields—one- and zero-dimensional plasma models. It considers single-, two-, and multi-component simulation models, kinetics and ionization processes, radiation transport, and plasma interaction with solid surfaces. The text also examines self-organization and general problems associated with instabilities in plasma systems. In addition, it discusses cosmic plasma dynamic systems, such as Earth’s magnetosphere, spiral nebulas, and plasma associated with the Sun. This text provides wide-range coverage of issues related to plasma dynamics, with a final chapter addressing advanced plasma technologies, including plasma generators, plasma in the home, space propulsion engines, and controlled thermonuclear fusion. It demonstrates how to approach the analysis of complex plasma systems, taking into account the diversity of plasma environments. Presenting a well-rounded introduction to plasma dynamics, the book takes into consideration the models of plasma phenomena and their relationships to one another as well as their applications.

Plasma Engineering is the first textbook that addresses plasma engineering in the aerospace, nanotechnology, and bioengineering fields from a unified standpoint. It covers the fundamentals of plasma physics at a level suitable for an upper level undergraduate or graduate student, and applies the unique properties of plasmas (ionized gases) to improve processes and performance over a wide variety of areas such as materials processing, spacecraft propulsion, and nanofabrication. The book starts by reviewing plasma particle collisions, waves, and instabilities, and proceeds to diagnostic tools, such as planar, spherical, and emissive probes, and the electrostatic analyzer, interferometric technique, and plasma spectroscopy. The physics of different types of electrical discharges are considered, including the classical Townsend mechanism of gas electrical breakdown and the Paschen law. Basic approaches and theoretical methodologies for plasma modeling are described, based on the fluid description of plasma solving numerically magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations and the kinetic model particle techniques that take into account kinetic interactions among particles and electromagnetic fields. Readers are then introduced to the widest variety of applications in any text on the market, including space propulsion applications and application of low-temperature plasmas in nanoscience and nanotechnology. The latest original results on cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) applications in medicine are presented. The book includes a large number of worked examples, end of chapter exercises, and historical perspectives. There is also an accompanying plasma simulation software covering the Particle in Cell (PIC) approach, available at http://www.particleincell.com/blog/2011/particle-in-cell-example/. This book is appropriate for grad level courses in Plasma Engineering/Plasma Physics in departments of Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Physics. It will also be useful as an introduction to plasma engineering and its applications for early career researchers and practicing engineers.