UUM 538E - Plasma Theory for Space Applications

Course Objectives

To study the interaction between the spacecraft and plasma environment
To study the principles of the plasma devices (like the propulsion systems) to be used in spacecraft.
To inform the student about the fundamental plasma theory for understanding of the basic physical problems in space environment and the celestial bodies

Course Description

Propulsion. Energy conversion/production, Space applications such as space sciences and astrophysics. Interaction of the electrical charges with the magnetic fields. Ionization and collision phenomena. Introduction to plasma kinetic theory. Liouville, Vlasov and Boltzmann equations. Transport properties of the plasmas. Plasma flow, shock waves, boundary layers. Wave and radiation phenomena in plasma