Parallel asynchronous hybrid simulations of strongly inhomogeneous plasmas

Abstract

Self-adaptive discrete-event simulation is a general paradigm for time integration of discretized partial differential equations and particle models. This novel approach enables local time steps for equations describing time evolution of grid-based elements (fluids, fields) and macro-particles on arbitrary grids while preserving underlying conservation laws. The solution-adaptive integration ensures robustness (stability) and efficiency (speed) of complex nonlinear simulations. Using this technique we achieved a breakthrough in simulations of multiscale plasma systems. A new particle-in-cell simulation tool, HYPERS (Hybrid Particle Event-Resolved Simulator), which solves a set of strongly coupled Maxwell's equations, electron fluid equations and ion particle equations of motion, is presented as the first multi-dimensional application of this technology. We discuss its parallel implementation and demonstrate first results from three-dimensional simulations of compact plasma objects that have been out of reach of conventional codes. Potential applications of the new methodology to other scientific and engineering domains are also discussed.