Why Plasma Acts More Like a Liquid Than a Gas

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Summary

This video explains why plasma acts more like a liquid than a gas in physics. Plasma physics is pre-relativistic and pre-quantum relying on Maxwell Boltzmann equations which creates enormous complexity. The key to fusion success is controlling and understanding nonlinear plasma dynamics. Plasma particle trajectories become extremely complex even with simple prescribed magnetic fields. Plasma acts like a liquid when dense enough leading to magnetohydrodynamics. Magnetic reconnection is ubiquitous in nature solar flares magnetic substorms and creates plasmoids. Confinement and transport in fusion plasmas is impaired by turbulence and macroscopic instabilities. Energetic fusion-born alpha particles are critical to keep plasma hot and self-sustained.

Key Claims (7)

Definitive

Plasma physics is pre-relativistic and pre-quantum Maxwell Boltzmann complexity.

Evidence: Plasma physics pre-relativistic pre-quantum Maxwell Boltzmann leads to enormous complexity

Definitive

Key to fusion success is controlling and understanding plasma movement.

Evidence: Fusion depends on how much we can control plasma and predict understand its nonlinear dynamics

Definitive

Plasma particle trajectories become extremely complex with magnetic fields.

Evidence: Simulation high school student electron trajectories prescribed magnetic field varying sinusoidally time frequency enormous complexity

Definitive

Plasma acts like liquid when dense enough magnetohydrodynamics.

Evidence: Plasma glides enough collisions fluid-like character hydrodynamics Lawrence force momentum equation

Definitive

Magnetic reconnection releases energy plasmoids formation.

Evidence: Magnetic reconnection solar flares magnetic substorms plasmoids energy stored magnetic field channeled particle acceleration heating

Definitive

Confinement transport fusion plasmas impaired turbulence macroscopic instabilities.

Evidence: Confinement transport fusion plasmas impaired turbulence macroscopic instabilities keep fusion temperature plasma confined critical

Definitive

Energetic fusion-born alpha particles critical plasma hot self-sustained.

Evidence: Energetic fusion-born alpha particles critical keep plasma hot self-sustained alfven waves alpha transport away plasma core