Understanding Self-Consistency in Plasma Physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of self-consistency in plasma physics, exploring its definition and implications within the context of mathematical modeling of plasmas. Participants seek to understand how self-consistency relates to the behavior of electric and magnetic fields in plasma systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the meaning of self-consistency in plasma physics, suggesting a need for clarification on the concept.
  • One participant references a mathematical model of plasma that includes the determination of particle motion, current and charge densities, and the self-consistent calculation of electric and magnetic fields.
  • It is noted that the self-consistency requirement complicates plasma analysis, as the fields must align with those used in initial calculations.
  • Another participant questions the relevance of self-consistency in plasma physics to nuclear and particle physics, indicating a potential area of exploration or debate.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion appears to have multiple competing views regarding the relevance and implications of self-consistency in plasma physics, with no consensus reached on its connection to nuclear and particle physics.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully defined the context of self-consistency, and there may be assumptions regarding the audience's familiarity with plasma physics concepts. The discussion lacks resolution on the implications of self-consistency in relation to other fields.

Arvindbhai
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can anyone explain me what is the meaning of self consistency of plasma ?
 
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what has this to do with nuclear and particle physics?
 
Thread moved.

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Arvindbhai said:
can anyone explain me what is the meaning of self consistency of plasma ?
What is the context of the question?

There is this discussion:

Introduction to plasma physics: with space and laboratory applications By Donald A. Gurnett, Amitava Bhattacharjee
A complete mathematical model of a plasma requires three basic elements: first, the motion of all particles must be determined for some assumed electric and magnetic field configuration; second, the current and charge densities must be computed from the particle trajectories;, and third, the electric and magnetic fields must be self-consistently determined from the current and charges, taking into account both internal and external sources. To be self-consistent, the electric and magnetic fields obtained from the last step must correspond to the fields used in the first step. It is this self-consistency requirement that makes the analysis of a plasma difficult.
 

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