Object plasma interaction studied with numerical simulations

Any instrument in plasma disturbs to a certain degree its surroundings. For instance a satellite, rocket, or even a dust grain moving in plasma will give rise to the wake in the plasma density and related electrostatic potential disturbance. To properly analyze data from the sounding rockets it is thus crucial to understand how these measurements are influenced by the rocket itself. This problem is also highly relevant for dust interactions in the field of complex (dusty) plasmas.

In this project, the candidate will develop a new module for the object plasma interaction that will be incorporated in the large particle-in-cell code that is being developed at the group. The candidate will be a member of a larger code-developer team.

Particular tasks will include implementation of the object surface in the code, charging processes, implementation of a biased electrical probe at a spacecraft and studying its performance in different plasma conditions. This project will requite algorithm development and optimisation. The studies of the physics of charging of an irregular objects in plasma/space with the new modules will also be a part of the project.