ABSTRACT
There are three basic approaches to plasma physics: the hydrodynamic theory, the kinematic theory and the particle theory. The particle theory approach is using the equations of motion for the individual plasma particles, and with the help of particle simulation codes and appropriate averages the plasma physics is analysed. The kinematic theory is based on a set of equations for the distribution functions of the plasma particles, together with Maxwell equations. In the hydrodynamic model the conservation laws of mass, momentum and energy are coupled to Maxwell equations. In addition, for a fluid model, a local thermodynamic equilibrium is assumed and the knowledge of the equations of state (relations between pressure, temperature, energy, entropy, etc.) is mandatory for solving the problem.
