RAP opportunity at Air Force Science and Technology Fellowship Program AF STFP
Computational Physics of Nonequilibrium Plasma for Space Propulsion
Location
Aerospace Systems Directorate, RQ/Rocket Propulsion Division
| opportunity |
location |
|
| 13.30.12.B7618 |
Edwards Air Force Base, CA 93524 |
Advisers
| name |
email |
phone |
|
| Daniel Eckhardt |
daniel.eckhardt.3@us.af.mil |
661 275 6795 |
Description
This research topic in applied physics and mathematics focuses on the development and application of advanced numerical methods and physical models applied to plasma dynamics for conditions relevant to various applications of interest to the Air Force, particularly electric propulsion systems. Physical regimes range from rarefied plasma to ideal MHD, weakly to fully ionized, and with temperatures up to 100 eV. We are particularly interested in multiscale methods, hybrid methods, and innovative mathematical and numerical approaches to solving plasma kinetics. Fluid (MHD) and multi-fluid models, collisional-radiative (CR) kinetics, particle-in-cell (PIC), and Monte-Carlo collisions (MCC) methods are of typical interests, as well as Vlasov/Fokker-Planck approaches and their combination.
References
Brackbill I, et al: Numerical Analysis of Neutral Entrainment Effect on Field-Reversed Configuration Thruster Efficiency, Journal of Propulsion and Power 30(6): 1450-1458, 2014
Shumlak R, et al: Advanced physics calculations using a multi-fluid plasma model. Computer Physic Communications, Special Edition for Conference on Computational Physics 182(9): 1767-1770, 2011
key words
Plasma; Vlasov; Multifluid; PIC; Collisional-radiative; Nonequilibrium;
Eligibility
Citizenship:
Open to U.S. citizens
Level:
Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants
Stipend
| Base Stipend |
Travel Allotment |
Supplementation |
|
| $95,000.00 |
$5,000.00 |
|
Experience Supplement
Postdoctoral and Senior awardees will receive an appropriately higher stipend based on the number of years of experience past their PhD.
|
Additional Benefits
Relocation
Awardees who reside more than 50 miles from their host laboratory and remain on tenure for at least six months are eligible for paid relocation to within the vicinity of their host laboratory.
Health insurance
A group health insurance program is available to awardees and their qualifying dependents in the United States.