plasma simulations

arsonwong

Is anyone familiar with modelling plasmas around here?

I'm doing some homework and shopping around about what kinds of simulation models there are. Apparently there's a vast variety but I can sort of see there're 3 types:

1. particle-in-cell models
2. hard core boltzmann solvers
3. "run of the mill" CFD based solvers

Can someone tell me what kind of conditions these different models are suitable for, the computing power needed for each, etc? If you can speak to me in layman terms that'll be awesome.