Introduction to Plasmas and Plasma Dynamics : With Reviews of Applications in Space Propulsion, Magnetic Fusion and Space Physics

**__Introduction to Plasmas and Plasma Dynamics__** provides an accessible introduction to the understanding of high temperature, ionized gases necessary to conduct research and develop applications related to plasmas. While standard presentations of introductory material emphasize physics and the theoretical basis of the topics, this text acquaints the reader with the context of the basic information and presents the fundamental knowledge required for advanced work or study. The book relates theory to relevant devices and mechanisms, presenting a clear outline of analysis and mathematical detail; it highlights the significance of the concepts with reviews of recent applications and trends in plasma engineering, including topics of plasma formation and magnetic fusion, plasma thrusters and space propulsion. * Presents the essential principles of plasma dynamics needed for effective research and development work in plasma applications * Emphasizes physical understanding and supporting theoretical foundation with reference to their utilization in devices, mechanisms and phenomena * Covers a range of applications, including energy conversion, space propulsion, magnetic fusion, and space physics.

Introduction to Plasmas and Plasma Dynamics provides an accessible introduction to the understanding of high temperature, ionized gases necessary to conduct research and develop applications related to plasmas. While standard presentations of introductory material emphasize physics and the theoretical basis of the topics, this text acquaints the reader with the context of the basic information and presents the fundamental knowledge required for advanced work or study.

The book relates theory to relevant devices and mechanisms, presenting a clear outline of analysis and mathematical detail; it highlights the significance of the concepts with reviews of recent applications and trends in plasma engineering, including topics of plasma formation and magnetic fusion, plasma thrusters and space propulsion.

• Presents the essential principles of plasma dynamics needed for effective research and development work in plasma applications
• Emphasizes physical understanding and supporting theoretical foundation with reference to their utilization in devices, mechanisms and phenomena
• Covers a range of applications, including energy conversion, space propulsion, magnetic fusion, and space physics.

Content: Front Matter,Copyright,Dedication,Preface,AcknowledgmentsEntitled to full textChapter 1 - The Plasma Medium and Plasma Devices, Pages 1-6 Chapter 2 - Kinetic Theory of Gases, Pages 7-32 Chapter 3 - Molecular Energy Distribution and Ionization in Gases, Pages 33-63 Chapter 4 - Electromagnetics, Pages 65-85 Chapter 5 - Plasma Parameters and Regimes of Interaction, Pages 87-98 Chapter 6 - Particle Orbit Theory, Pages 99-113 Chapter 7 - Macroscopic Equations of Plasmas, Pages 115-136 Chapter 8 - Hydromagnetics—Fluid Behavior of Plasmas, Pages 137-193 Chapter 9 - Plasma Dynamics and Hydromagnetics: Reviews of Applications, Pages 195-324 Appendix A - Conversion between MKS and Gaussian System, Pages 325-326 Appendix B - Definite Integrals – Maxwellian Distribution Functions, Page 327 Appendix C - Nomenclature, Pages 329-330 Appendix D - Problems, Pages 331-338 Index, Pages 339-348 This book provides an introduction to the understanding of high temperature, ionized gases necessary to conduct research and develop applications related to plasmas. While standard presentations of introductory material emphasize physics and the theoretical basis of the topics, this text acquaints the reader with the context of the basic information and presents the fundamental knowledge required for advanced work or study. It relates theory to relevant devices and mechanisms, presenting a clear outline of analysis and mathematical detail and highlights the significance of the concepts with reviews of recent applications and trends in plasma engineering, including topics of plasma formation and magnetic fusion, plasma thrusters and space propulsion. -- Edited summary from book