Numerical approximation of the Euler-Maxwell model in the quasineutral limit

International audienceWe derive and analyze an Asymptotic-Preserving scheme for the Euler-Maxwell system in the quasi-neutral limit. We prove that the linear stability condition on the time-step is independent of the scaled Debye length $\lambda$ when $\lambda \to 0$. Numerical validation performed on Riemann initial data and for a model Plasma Opening Switch device show that the AP-scheme is convergent to the Euler-Maxwell solution when $\Delta x/ \lambda \to 0$ where $\Delta x$ is the spatial discretization. But, when $\lambda /\Delta x \to 0$, the AP-scheme is consistent with the quasi-neutral Euler-Maxwell system. The scheme is also perfectly consistent with the Gauss equation. The possibility of using large time and space steps leads to several orders of magnitude reductions in computer time and storage

Asymptotic-Preserving Schemes for Fluid Models of Plasmas

International audienceThese notes summarize a series of works related to the numerical approximation of plasma fluid problems. We construct so-called 'Asymptotic-Preserving' schemes which are valid for a large range of values (from very small to order unity) of the dimensionless parameters that appear in plasma fluid models. Specifically, we are interested in two parameters, the scaled Debye length which quantifies how close to quasi-neutrality the plasma is, and the scaled cyclotron period, which is inversely proportional to the magnetic field strength. We will largely focus on the ideas, in order to enable the reader to apply these concepts to other situations