2014+Lecture+plan+Dieckmann

= School of modern astrophysics-2014 =

Lecture plan
- The plasma approximation and the equations, which are solved by PIC simulations. - Which plasmas can we model with PIC codes and what are the simulation limits? - What code do I use, from where can I get it, and how can I run it? 
 * Lecture 1. Motivation**

The finite difference approximation for the electromagnetic fields. Reading in simulation data from the Epoch code using Matlab or Octave. 
 * Lecture 2. Field equations (a)**

Properties of the field equations, numerical wave dispersion. Simulation of waves in a vacuum with the Epoch code and the analysis of the field data. 
 * Lecture 3. Field equations (b)**

Phase space representation of the plasma, the particle update scheme and particle shape functions. 
 * Lecture 4. The particle equations (a)**

Defining the plasma parameters for the simulation and introducing computational particles into the simulation. Analysis of particle data computed by Epoch. 
 * Lecture 5. The particle equations (b)**

Overview over data analysis strategies for field and particle data. Getting the right units on the plots. 
 * Lecture 6. Data analysis**

The two-stream instability, the Weibel instability and the filamentation instability. 
 * Lecture 7. Beam instabilities**

How do we set up an unmagnetized shock in the simulation and what are its basic properties? How can we identify it in the simulation data? 
 * Lecture 8. Electrostatic shocks**

How do we set up a perpendicular shock in the simulation and how do we analyse its data? (DIY simulation) 
 * Lecture 9. Perpendicular shocks**

Self-heating instability, numerical Cherenkov radiation and the sideband instability. 
 * Lecture 10. Numerical instabilities**

Exercises
Unpacking, compiling and running the code. Work through the examples Run01-Run08. Reproduce the figures in the lecture notes that correspond to these runs.
 * Exercise 1
 * Assessment:** Show me your figures during the lab session. One for each run.

Do the exercises in the lab on plasma instabilities: Two-stream, filamentation and Whistler instability.
 * Exercise 2
 * Assessment:** Send me by email the completed //input.deck// files. Send me the plots stated in the lecture notes.

Implement the //input.deck// file for the electrostatic shock simulation.
 * Exercise 3
 * Assessment:** Send me by email the completed //input.deck// file. Send me also the requested plot.

The email should only contain the Figure(s), the //input.deck// and your full name.