Course detail

Plasma Physics and Diagnostics

FEKT-MPC-FPLAcad. year: 2020/2021

This course is an introduction to plasma science. The following topics are presented during a semester:
Plasma state properties. Introduction to kinetic theory of gases. Motion of charged particles in electric and/or magnetic fields. Gas discharges. Electric arc plasma. Plasma radiation and introduction to the plasma diagnostics. Ther,odynamic and transport properties of plasmas. Low temperature plasmas. Introduction to the nuclear fusion. Plasma technology. Lecture on switching arc plasmas given by expert from industry.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

5

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Learning outcomes of the course unit

Graduates in the subject are able to:
- recognize characteristics of the plasma state and illustrate its properties;
- give examples of the plasma state either in nature or in industrial practice;
- demonstrate skills in a mathematical modeling of a plasma;
- use mathematical formulas for description of basic plasma processes;
- define kinetic processes in a plasma state;
- describe transport and thermodynamic properties in a plasma;
- describe collision processes in a plasma;
- analyse motion of charged particles in both electric and magnetic fields;
- characterize various gas discharges;
- describe DC and AC arc plasmas;
- recognize basic plasma diagnostic methods;
- explain principles of nuclear fusion as a source of energy.

Prerequisites

The subject knowledge on the Bachelor´s degree level is requested.

Co-requisites

Not applicable.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Techning methods include lectures, numerical seminars and practical laboratories. One lecture is given by a representative of an industrial company. Course is taking advantage of e-learning (Moodle) system. Students elaborate protocols of lab measurements, including individual numerical tasks.

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

Evaluated activities:
- written test, up to 20 pts;
- numerical and laboratory projects, up to 45 pts;
- final written test, up to 35 pts

Final written test will be conducted via Moodle

Course curriculum

1. Introduction to plasma physic, history, basic parameters.
2. Plasma technology - introduction.
3. Charged particles motion.
4. Introduction to kinetic theory of gases.
5. Classification of gas discharges.
6. Electric arc, switching arc.
7. Plasma diagnostics.
8. Thermodynamic and transport properties of a plasma.
9. Non-isothermal plasma.
10. Plasma radiation.
11. Lasers.
12. Controlled thermonuclear fusion.
13. Summary, final test.

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

- to obtain an overall view of the plasma science of materials and applications to engineering;
- to develop problem solving skills in plasma technologies;
- to become aware of the role of plasma physics in industrial sphere;
- to recognize basic methods of plasma diagnostics in quenching chambers of switchgear, plasma torches and other plasma devices.

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

The content and forms of instruction in the evaluated course are specified by a regulation issued by the lecturer responsible for the course and updated for every academic year.

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

F. F. Chen: Úvod do fyziky plazmatu, Academia, Praha, 1984 (CS)
B. Gross: Měření vysokých teplot, SNTL, Praha, 1962 (CS)
V. Aubrecht: Fyzika a diagnostika plazmatu, e-text, 2013, VUT v Brně (CS)

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

eLearning

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme MPC-BIO Master's, any year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
  • Programme MPC-EEN Master's, 1. year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
  • Programme MPC-SVE Master's, 1. year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
  • Programme MPC-EAK Master's, 1. year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus

1. Introduction to plasma physic, history, basic parameters.
2. Plasma technology - introduction.
3. Charged particles motion.
4. Introduction to kinetic theory of gases.
5. Classification of gas discharges.
6. Electric arc, switching arc.
7. Plasma diagnostics.
8. Therma plasma modelling.
9. Plasma sources of radiation, gaseous lasers. 10. Plasma as a source of motion, ion and plasma 11. Other plasma applications.
12. Controlled thermonuclear fusion.
13. Summary, final test.

Exercise in computer lab

20 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus

1. Introductory meeting, organization and safety information
2. Plasma definition
3. Plasma frequency
4. Collision frequency
5. Debye lenght
6. Particle motion in E and/or B fields
7. Introduction to distribution function in plasmas
8. Continuity equation
9. Plasma radiation
10. Final exercise, evaluation, credits

Laboratory exercise

6 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Syllabus

1. Introduction, organization and safety rules.
2. Experimental prediction of electrodes temperature.
3. Measurement of DC arc E-I characteristics.
4. Measurement of AC arc E-I characteristics.
5. Measurement of relative temperature distribution in AC electric arc.
6. Application of equidensitometry method to the electric arc shape prediction.

eLearning