Postdoctoral position : Analysis and numerical methods for plasma sheath models
The MUFFIN(MUltiscale and treFFtz for numerIcal traNsport ) ANR project aims at making progress in the numerical simulation of multidimensional kinetic equations. A part of the project is concerned with modeling and accurate numerical simulation of plasma sheaths. Plasma sheaths are non neutral boundary layers that develop when a plasma is in contact with a metallic wall [3, 5, 1]. Their modeling is a challenge and the development of specific numerical methods for their accurate simulations is a bottleneck for global plasmas simulations (specifically in the context of the ITER project [4]). We are seeking a dynamic PhD graduate in applied mathematics, with a tropism for numerical analysis and scientific computing for PDEs. The project will require both theoretical studies and implementation of numerical methods.
Depending on the preference and/or expertise of the applicant, several work leads are possible:
- The construction of stationary plasma sheaths in cylindrical geometry.
- A linear stability study of plasma sheaths.
- The development of compatible semi-Lagrangian schemes for the Vlasov-Ampere equations that preserve a discrete Gauss Law [2].
Location: Laboratoire de Mathématiques Jean Leray, Université de Nantes.
Grant: ANR MUFFIN project.
Advisors: Mehdi BADSI, Christophe BERTHON and Anaïs CRESTETTO
Beginning: September 2021 or October 2021.
Duration: 12 months.
For more information, send an email with your CV, publications
and reference contacts to: mehdi.badsi@univ-nantes.fr
The deadline for applying is June 1rst 2021.
References
[1] M. Badsi, M. Campos Pinto, and B. Despres. A minimization formulation of a bikinetic sheath. Kinetic and related models, 9(4), 2016.
[2] M. Campos-Pinto and E. Sonnendrucker. Compatible maxwell solvers with particles i: conforming and non-conforming 2d schemes with a strong ampere law. SMAI Journal of Computational Mathematics, 3, 2017.
[3] Francis F. Chen. Introduction to Plasma Physics and controlled fusion. Springer, 1984.
[4] ITER. Iter organization.
[5] K.U Riemann. The bohm criterion and sheath formation. Physics of Plasmas, 1991.