Abstract

Depending on the circumstances, plasma phenomena can be modeled using either
fluid or kinetic physical models. This week is devoted to familiarizing students with this duality of descriptions, starting with various numerical experiments conducted using two types of codes (corresponding to the fluid and kinetic descriptions). In addition, short lectures each morning will highlight the broader significance of this issue for astrophysics.
The course level is adjusted each year to suit the diverse group of participants.

This is a training program for doctoral students offered by ED 127 (Astronomy and Astrophysics of Île-de-France: fr)

Website: https://sites.lesia.obspm.fr/plasmas-fluides-et-cinetiques/

Scientific justification

Since 2014, the training program has been held seven times in Meudon (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2024).
On average, we had 8.5 registrants, 7 of whom successfully completed the training.

Enrollment has ranged from a high of 12 participants in 2022 to a low of 7 in 2024.

Preliminary program

Scientific Content:
* Propagation and damping of a pressure wave (ionic acoustic wave)
* Formation of a non-collisional shock propagating in parallel
* Wave-particle resonances in a non-collisional plasma
* Propagation of a plasma bullet (penetration of the solar wind plasma through the Earth’s magnetopause)

Tools
* Two hybrid codes (microscopic description of a plasma)
* A fluid code (MHD)

Tentative Schedule for the Week
* Monday: Welcome, introductory lecture, presentation of a few example problems, introduction to numerical codes and project topics; lab work in pairs
* Tuesday: Lecture on fluid and kinetic descriptions, lab work
* Wednesday: Seminar scheduled for the morning; lab work for the rest of the day
* Thursday: Lecture on wave-particle resonances; lab work
* Friday: Lab work until 3:00 p.m.; starting at 3:00 p.m., group presentations and wrap-up of the week

Speakers (list subject to change):
F. Pantellini (LIRA), R. Smets (LPP), N. Aunai (LPP), G. Belmont (LPP)