The Vlasov equation describes the evolution of the distribution function of particles in phase space (x,v), where the particles interact with long-range forces, but where shortrange "collisional" forces are neglected. A space plasma consists of low-mass electrically charged particles, and therefore the most important long-range forces acting in the plasma are the Lorentz forces created by electromagnetic fields. What makes the numerical solution of the Vlasov equation a challenging task is that the fully three-dimensional problem leads to a partial differential equation in the six-dimensional phase space, plus time, making it hard even to store a discretised solution in a computer’s memory. Solutions to the Vlasov equation have also a tendency of becoming oscillatory in velocity space, due to free streaming terms (ballistic particles), in which steep gradients are created and problems of calculating the v (velocity) derivative of the function accurately increase with time. In the present thesis, the numerical treatment is limited to one- and two-dimensional systems, leading to solutions in two- and four-dimensional phase space, respectively, plus time. The numerical method developed is based on the technique of Fourier transforming the Vlasov equation in velocity space and then solving the resulting equation, in which the small-scale information in velocity space is removed through outgoing wave boundary conditions in the Fourier transformed velocity space. The Maxwell equations are rewritten in a form which conserves the divergences of the electric and magnetic fields, by means of the Lorentz potentials. The resulting equations are solved numerically by high order methods, reducing the need for numerical over-sampling of the problem. The algorithm has been implemented in Fortran 90, and the code for solving the one-dimensional Vlasov equation has been parallelised by the method of domain decomposition, and has been implemented using the Message Passing Interface (MPI) method. The code has been used to investigate linear and non-linear interaction between electromagnetic fields, plasma waves, and particles.

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(情報学) / 甲第17924号 / 情博第506号 / 新制||情||89(附属図書館) / 30744 / 京都大学大学院情報学研究科数理工学専攻 / (主査)教授 梅野 健, 教授 中村 佳正, 教授 船越 満明 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Informatics / Kyoto University / DFAM

Spinodal instability mechanism and early development of density fluctuations for symmetric nuclear matter at finite temperature are studied. A stochastic extension of Walecka-type relativistic mean-field model including non-linear self-interactions of scalar mesons with NL3 parameter set is employed in the semi-classical approximation. The growth rates of unstable collective modes are investigated below the normal density and at low temperatures. The system exhibits most unstable behavior in longer wave lengths at baryon densities &rho / B = 0.4 &rho / 0 , while most unstable behavior occurs in shorter wavelengths at lower baryon densities &rho / B = 0.2 &rho / 0 . The unstable response of the system shifts towards longer wavelengths with the increasing temperature at both densities. The early growth of the density correlation functions are calculated, which provide valuable information about the initial size of the condensation and the average speed of condensing fragments. Furthermore, the relativistic results are compared with Skyrme type non-relativistic calculations. Qualitatively similar results are found in both non-relativistic and relativistic descriptions.

Cette thèse présente l'étude et le développement de méthodes numériques pour la résolution d'équations de transport, en particulier d'une méthode de remapping bidimensionnel dont un avantage important par rapport aux algorithmes existants est la propriété de conservation de la masse. De nombreux cas-tests permettront de comparer ces approches entre elles ainsi qu'à des méthodes de référence. On s'intéressera en particulier aux équations dites de Vlasov-Poisson et du Centre-Guide, qui apparaissent très classiquement dans le cadre de la physique des plasmas. / This PhD thesis presents the study and development of numerical methods for the resolution of transport equations, in particular a bidimensional remapping method whose main advantage over existing algorithms is the property of mass conservation. Numerous test cases are presented in order to compare these approaches with regard to the others and with reference methods. Focus is made on the so-called Vlasov-Poisson and Center-Guide equations, that appear very classically in the domain of plasma physics.

L'objectif de ce thèse est l'étude des systèmes dynamiques avec interaction à longue portée. La complexité de leur dynamique met en évidence des propriétés contre-intuitives et inattendues, comme l'existence d'états stationnaires hors-équilibre (QSS). Dans le QSS on peut observer des propriétés particulières: chaleur spécifique négative, inéquivalence des ensembles statistiques et phénomènes d'auto-organisation. Les théories des interactions LR ont été appliquées pour décrire la dynamique des systèmes auto-gravitants, de tourbillons bidimensionnels, de systèmes avec interactions onde-particule et des plasmas chargés. Mon travail s'est tout d'abord consacré à l'extension de la solution de Lynden-Bell pour le modèle HMF, en généralisant l'analyse à des conditions initiales de «water-bag" à plusieurs niveaux, qui approchent des conditions initiales continues. En suite je me suis intéressé à la caractérisation formelle de la thermodynamique des QSS dans l'ensemble statistique canonique. En appliquant la théorie standard, il est possible de mesurer une chaleur spécifique "cinétique'' négative. Cette propriété inattendue amène à la violation du second principe de la thermodynamique. Un tel résultat nous pousse à reconsidérer l'applicabilité de la théorie thermodynamique actuelle aux systèmes LR. En suite j'ai étudié, pour le modèle α-HMF, la persistance des caractéristiques typiques du régime LR, dans le limite dynamique à courte portée. Les résultats suggèrent une généralisation de la définition des systèmes LR. Le dernier chapitre est consacré à la caractérisation d'un nouveau modèle LR, extension naturelle du précédent α-HMF et d'intérêt potentiel applicatif. / The scope of this thesis is the study of systems with long-range interactions (LR). The complexity of their dynamics evidences counter-intuitive and unexpected properties, as for instance the existence of out-of-equilibrium stationary states (QSS). Considering a system in the QSS, one may observe peculiar properties, as negative specific heat, statistical ensemble inequivalence and phenomena of self-organizations. The main theories of long-range interactions have been applied to describing self-gravitating systems, two-dimensional vortices, systems with wave-particle interactions and charged plasmas. My work has been initially dedicated to extending the Lynden-Bell solution for the HMF model, generalizing the analysis to multi-level water-bag initial condition that could approximate continuous distributions. Then I concentrated to the formal characterization of the thermodynamics of QSS in the canonical statistical ensemble. By applying the standard theory, it is possible to measure negative “kinetic” specific heat. This latter unexpected property leads to a violation of the second principle of thermodynamics. Such result forces us to reconsider the applicability of the accepted thermodynamic theory to LR systems. Afterwards I studied, in the context of the α-HMF model, the persistence of the typical characteristics of the LR regime in the limit of short-range dynamics. The results obtained suggests a generalization of the definition of LR systems. The last chapter is dedicated to the characterization of a novel LR model, a natural extension of α-HMF and of potential applicability.

Sistemas cujos componentes interagem por meio de forças de longo alcance não-blindadas por exemplo, sistemas estelares e plasmas não-neutros têm algumas características anô- malas em relação a sistemas com forças blindadas ou de curto alcance. Além de apresentarem características termodinâmicas peculiares como calor especí co negativo e inequivalência de ensembles, sua dinâmica é predominantemente não-colisional e leva à estados quasiestacion ários fora de equilíbrio. Esses estados são notoriamente difíceis de prever dada uma condição inicial qualquer, e ainda não existe uma teoria uni cada para tratá-los. O equilíbrio termodinâmico é atingido somente após tempos longos que escalam com o tamanho do sistema, muitas vezes excedendo o tempo de vida do universo. A relaxação para o equilíbrio, portanto, tem duas escalas de tempo: uma, curta, que leva a estados quasi-estacionários fora de equilíbrio, e a segunda, longa, que leva ao equilíbrio termodinâmico. Nesta tese de doutorado, examinamos esses fenômenos aplicando modelos teóricos e simulação numérica para diferentes sistemas de interação de longo-alcance, incluindo um modelo de spins clássicos tipo XY com longo alcance, e o sistema auto-gravitante em três dimensões. Em uma segunda etapa, estudamos a relaxação para o equilíbrio termodinâmico, a relaxação colisional, através de equações cinéticas e simulação numérica. Desta forma, buscamos esclarecer os mecanismos por trás dos estados quasi-estacionários e da relaxação colisional. / Systems whose components interact by unscreened long-range forces for example, stellar systems and non-neutral plasmas have characteristics that are anomalous with respect to systems with shielded or short-range forces. Besides presenting unique thermodynamic properties such as negative speci c heat and inequivalence of ensembles, their dynamics is predominantly collisionless and leads to out-of-equilibrium quasi-stationary states. These states are notoriously di cult to predict given an arbitrary initial condition, and there is still no uni ed theory to treat them. Thermodynamic equilibrium is reached only after long timescales that increase with the system size and often exceed the lifetime of the universe. Relaxation to equilibrium, therefore, has two timescales: one short, leading to outof- equilibrium quasi-stationary states, and a second, longer, which leads to thermodynamic equilibrium. In this thesis, we examine these phenomena by applying theoretical models and numerical simulation for di erent long-range interacting systems, including a model of classical XY-type spins with long-range interactions, and the self-gravitating system in three dimensions. In a second stage we study the collisional relaxation to thermodynamic equilibrium through kinetic equations and numerical simulation. We thus seek to clarify the mechanisms behind the quasi-stationary states and collisional relaxation.

Les interactions gravitationnelles et électrostatiques sont deux exemples fondamentaux de systèmes en interaction de longue portée. Les propriétés d'équilibre de modèles simples en interaction de longue portée sont bien comprises et révèlent des comportemens exotiques: capacité spécifique négative et inéquivalence des ensembles statistiques par exemple. La compréhension de l'évolution dynamique dans le cas de systèmes en interaction de longue portée représente encore actuellement un défi théorique. Des modèles simples présentent des propriétés telles que des transitions de phase hors d'équilibre ou des états quasi-stationnaires. Le but de la présente thèse est d'étudier les propriétés dynamiques de systèmes en interaction de longue portée pour des modèles à une dimension. La description cinétique adéquate est donnée par l'équation de Vlasov. Une théorie statistique proposée par D. Lynden-Bell est appropriée pour prédire dans certaines situations l'aboutissement de la dynamique. Un outil de simulation pour l'équation de Vlasov complète cette approche. Une étude détaillée de la transition de phase dans le Laser à Electrons Libres est présentée et la transition est analysée à l'aide de la théorie de Lynden-Bell. Ensuite, la présence d'étirement et de repliement est étudiée dans le modèle Hamiltonian Mean-Field en analogie avec la dynamique des fluides. Enfin, un système de pendules découplés dont les états asymptotiques sont similaires à ceux du modèle Hamiltonian Mean-Field est introduit. Son évolution asymptotique est prédite par la théorie de Lynden-Bell et par une approche exacte. Ce système présente une évolution initiale rapide similaire à la relaxation violente présente dans des modèles plus compliqués. De plus, une transition de phase hors d'équilibre est trouvée si une condition d'auto-consistence est imposée. En résumé, la présente thèse comporte des résultats originaux liés à la présence d'états quasi-stationnaires et de transitions de phase hors d'équilibre dans des modèles unidimensionnels en interaction de longue portée. Les résultats concernant le Laser à Electrons Libres offrent une perspective de réalisation expérimentale des phénomènes décrits dans cette thèse. / Gravitational and electrostatic interactions are fundamental examples of systems with long-range interactions. Equilibrium properties of simple models with long-range interactions are well understood and exhibit exotic behaviors: negative specific heat and inequivalence of statistical ensembles for instance. The understanding of the dynamical evolution in the case of long-range interacting systems still represents a theoretical challenge. Phenomena such as out-of-equilibrium phase transitions or quasi-stationary states have been found even in simple models. The purpose of the present thesis is to investigate the dynamical properties of systems with long-range interactions, specializing on one-dimensional models. The appropriate kinetic description for these systems is the Vlasov equation. A statistical theory devised by D. Lynden-Bell is adequate to predict in some situations the outcome of the dynamics. A complementary numerical simulation tool for the Vlasov equation is developed. A detailed study of the out-of-equilibrium phase transition occuring in the Free-Electron Laser is performed and the transition is analyzed with the help of Lynden-Bell's theory. Then, the presence of stretching and folding in phase space for the Hamiltonian Mean-Field model is studied and quantified from the point of view of fluid dynamics. Finally, a system of uncoupled pendula for which the asymptotic states are similar to the ones of the Hamiltonian Mean-Field model is introduced. Its asymptotic evolution is predicted via both Lynden-Bell's theory and an exact computation. This system displays a fast initial evolution similar to the violent relaxation found for interacting systems. Moreover, an out-of-equilibrium phase transition is found if one imposes a self-consistent condition on the system. In summary, the present thesis discusses original results related to the occurence of quasi-stationary states and out-of-equilibrium phase transitions in 1D models with long-range interaction. The findings regarding the Free-Electron Laser are of importance in the perspective of experimental realizations of the aforementioned phenomena.

Nuclear spinodal instabilities are investigated in non-relativistic and relativistic stochastic mean-field approaches for charge asymmetric and charge symmetric nuclear matter. Quantum statistical effect on the growth of instabilities are calculated in non-relativistic approach. Due to quantal effects, in both symmetric and asymmetric matter, dominant unstable modes shift towards longer wavelengths and modes with wave numbers larger than the Fermi momentum are strongly suppressed. As a result of quantum statistical effects, in particular at lower temperatures, amplitude of density fluctuations grows larger than those calculated in semi-classical approximation. Relativistic calculations in the semi-classical limit are compared with the results of non-relativistic calculations based on Skyrme-type effective interactions under similar conditions. A qualitative difference appears in the unstable response of the system: the system exhibits most unstable behavior at higher baryon densities around $rho_{B}=0.4 rho_{0}$ in the relativistic approach while most unstable behavior occurs at lower baryon densities around $rho_{B}=0.2 rho_{0}$ in the non-relativistic calculations.

The nuclear matter liquid-gas phase transition is expected to be a signal of nuclear spinodal instabilities as a result of density fluctuations. Nuclear spinodal instabilities in symmetric nuclear matter are studied within a stochastic relativistic density-dependent model in semi-classical approximation. We use two parameterization for the Lagrange density, DDME1 and TW sets. The early growth of density fluctuations is investigated by employing relativistic Vlasov equation based on QHD and discussed the cluster size of the condensations from the early growth of density correlation functions. Expectations are that hot nuclear matter behaves unstable around &rho / b &asymp / &rho / 0/4 (below the saturation density) and at low temperatures. We therefore present our results at low temperature T=1 MeV and at higher temperature T=5 MeV, and also at a lower initial baryon density &rho / b = 0.2 &rho / 0 and a higher value &rho / b = 0.4 &rho / 0 where unstable behavior is within them. Calculations in density-dependent model are compared with the other calculations obtained in a relativistic non-linear model and in a Skyrme type nonivrelativistic model. Our results are consistent with them. Qualitatively similar results show that the physics of the quantities are model-independent. The size of clusterization is estimated in two ways, by using half-wavelength of the most unstable mode and from the width of correlation function at half maximum. Furthermore, the average speed of condensing fragments during the initial phase of spinodal decomposition are determined by using the current density correlation functions.

Vlasov-Maxwell equilibria are characterised by the self-consistent descriptions of the steady-states of collisionless plasmas in particle phase-space, and balanced macroscopic forces. We study the theory of Vlasov-Maxwell equilibria in one spatial dimension, as well as its application to current sheet and flux tube models. The ‘inverse problem' is that of determining a Vlasov-Maxwell equilibrium distribution function self-consistent with a given magnetic field. We develop the theory of inversion using expansions in Hermite polynomial functions of the canonical momenta. Sufficient conditions for the convergence of a Hermite expansion are found, given a pressure tensor. For large classes of DFs, we prove that non-negativity of the distribution function is contingent on the magnetisation of the plasma, and make conjectures for all classes. The inverse problem is considered for nonlinear ‘force-free Harris sheets'. By applying the Hermite method, we construct new models that can describe sub-unity values of the plasma beta (βpl) for the first time. Whilst analytical convergence is proven for all βpl, numerical convergence is attained for βpl = 0.85, and then βpl = 0.05 after a ‘re-gauging' process. We consider the properties that a pressure tensor must satisfy to be consistent with ‘asymmetric Harris sheets', and construct new examples. It is possible to analytically solve the inverse problem in some cases, but others must be tackled numerically. We present new exact Vlasov-Maxwell equilibria for asymmetric current sheets, which can be written as a sum of shifted Maxwellian distributions. This is ideal for implementations in particle-in-cell simulations. We study the correspondence between the microscopic and macroscopic descriptions of equilibrium in cylindrical geometry, and then attempt to find Vlasov-Maxwell equilibria for the nonlinear force-free ‘Gold-Hoyle' model. However, it is necessary to include a background field, which can be arbitrarily weak if desired. The equilibrium can be electrically non-neutral, depending on the bulk flows.