Time Schedule:
Uri Shumlak
A A 405
Seattle Campus
Development of introductory electromagnetic theory including Lorentz force and Maxwell’s equations. Plasma description. Single particle motions and drifts in magnetic and electric fields. Derivation of plasma fluid model. Introduction to plasma waves. Applications to electric propulsion, magnetic confinement, and plasmas in space and Earth’s outer atmosphere. Prerequisite: PHYS 123; MATH 324. Offered: A.
Class description
1. Students will be able to calculate the electric and magnetic fields for a given electrode and current geometry. 2. Students will be able to predict charged particle motion in the presence of electric and magnetic fields. 3. Students will be able to apply the single fluid magnetohydrodynamic plasma model to solve plasma physics problems. 4. Students will be able to design mission specific electric plasma thrusters. 5. Students will be able to explain the basic principles of magnetic confinement fusion.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
lecture, individual and group homework, in-class demonstrations
Recommended preparation
Although the course will be self-contained regarding plasma science, students are expected to have some background in basic engineering physics and math.
Class assignments and grading
problem sets and project proposal
Homework 30% Midterm 30% Final 40%
