Hybrid Gas/Plasma Simulations Using DSMC with the VORPAL Code

摘要

We are adding a Direct Simulation Monte Carlo model to the plasma simulations code VORPAL to model dilute (large Knudsen number) gases. This will allow VORPAL to run hybrid simulations of gas/plasma mixtures using the current plasma simulation capabilities of VORPAL along with the newly added DSMC capabilities. VORPAL is a multidimensional, parallel Particle-in-Cell plasma simulation code that supports a variety of models for both the plasma and electromagnetic fields. The DSMC simulation model is built on the existing PIC model by adding a Monte-Carlo collision model and adding the capability to do ensemble averaging. We present here the results of validation tests by comparing VORPAL simulations with an established DSMC code. These include simulations of 1D thermal Couette flow, 1D high speed Couette flow, and 1D heat transfer rate in the transition regime.