Introduction to Plasmas and Plasma Dynamics

Introduction to Plasmas and Plasma Dynamics: With Plasma Physics Applications to Space Propulsion, Second Edition provides an accessible introduction to the understanding of the high temperature, ionized gases necessary to conduct research and develop applications related to plasmas. Thoroughly updated and expanded, this second edition is also amended for greater ease of use with the inclusion of self-study problems. New chapters addressing numerical methods in plasmas, the kinetic description and analysis of plasma, and the chemistry of the ionosphere open up this subject to a broader range of readers. Starting with the essential theory, this book goes on to describe relevant devices and mechanisms, before presenting a clear outline of the analysis and numerical details of plasma. The latest trends, concepts, and applications in plasma engineering are also addressed, including plasma formation and magnetic fusion, plasma thrusters and space propulsion.

• 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