Introduction to Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion - Francis F. Chen

[Astronuc]

• Author: Francis F. Chen
• Title: Introduction to Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion
• Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1441932011/?tag=pfamazon01-20
• Prerequisities: Introductory physics, modern physics, calculus through PDEs, E&M
• Contents: Undergraduate, upper level; Graduate, introductory

Table of Contents - 2nd ed. 1984. Corr. 2nd printing 2006

Preface to the Second Edition.
Preface to the First Edition.
1. Introduction.
2. Single-Particle Motions.
3. Plasmas as Fluids.
4. Waves in Plasmas.
5. Diffusion and Resistivity.
6. Equilibrium and Stability.
7. Kinetic Theory.
8. Nonlinear Effects.

Appendix A: Units, Constants, and Formulas, Vector Relations.
Appendix B: Theory of Waves in a Cold Uniform Plasma.
Appendix C: Sample Three-Hour Final Exam.
Appendix D: Answers to Some Problems.- Index.- Index to Problems.

Index

From the publisher:

This complete introduction to plasma physics and controlled fusion by one of the pioneering scientists in this expanding field offers both a simple and intuitive discussion of the basic concepts of this subject and an insight into the challenging problems of current research. In a wholly lucid manner the work covers single-particle motions, fluid equations for plasmas, wave motions, diffusion and resistivity, Landau damping, plasma instabilities and nonlinear problems. For students, this outstanding text offers a painless introduction to this important field; for teachers, a large collection of problems; and for researchers, a concise review of the fundamentals as well as original treatments of a number of topics never before explained so clearly. This revised edition contains new material on kinetic effects, including Bernstein waves and the plasma dispersion function, and on nonlinear wave equations and solitons.

Francis F. Chen - http://www.springer.com/?SGWID=0-102-6-1150021-0

 

[berkeman]

Classic Text!

 

[jasonRF]

This is a very good introduction to basic plasma physics, suitable for upper division undergraduates and beginning graduate students. This was one of the optional texts used when i took first semester plasma physics in graduate school, so have spent many hours with it. In my opinion Chen does a good job of explaining the physics, as opposed to some other books that are strong on math/formalism but provide little insight ("statistical plasma physics" by Ichimaru, for example). For our graduate course the prof actually followed no book at all, but the class was math-heavy so the physical insight of Chen was quite welcome by all of the students.

The only real pre-requisites are intermediate level electrodynamics and intro level mechanics, along with standard mathematics every physics/engineering/math major knows by junior year (vector calculus, basic ODEs, ...). One aspect that many students will like is that solutions to some number of problems (40+ pages worth) are included in an appendix.



jason

 

[clope023]

I like the text, another one is Introduction to Plasma Physics by Bittencourt, which tends to call upon the statistical mechanics much more than Chen.

 

[rezeew]

I highly recommend Francis F. Chen's Introduction to Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion as a comprehensive and insightful resource for understanding the fundamental concepts and current research in this exciting field. This book serves as an excellent introduction for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as a valuable reference for researchers. The author's clear and intuitive explanations of single-particle motions, fluid equations, wave motions, and other key topics make the complex subject of plasma physics accessible to a wide audience. The inclusion of a large collection of problems and a sample final exam also make this book a useful tool for teaching and learning. Additionally, the updated material on kinetic effects and nonlinear wave equations and solitons in the revised edition adds new depth and relevance to the book. Overall, Introduction to Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion is a must-read for anyone interested in this rapidly advancing field.