Peter Constantin
Princeton University, NJ·Mathematics & Statistics
Plasmas are hot, electrically charged gases, and their motion is highly nonlinear: small changes can grow into dramatic effects. In nature, a plasma's magnetic field lines can suddenly break and reconnect, releasing energy as solar flares.
- Fields
Mathematics & Statistics
Physics
- Topics
mathematical fluid dynamics
plasma physics
magnetohydrodynamics
- Grants
- 1 known grant, through Jul 2029
What they work on
- Develop a new mathematical analysis of radiative kinetics, the equations describing how radiation affects plasma dynamics, as a new direction in applied analysis.
- Build computational models of plasma relaxation to magnetohydrostatic equilibria in complex stellarator-like geometries. Use non-diffusive nonlocal approximation schemes that speed up relaxation without altering the equilibria.
- Study magnetic reconnection driven by electron inertia rather than resistivity. Test two routes to the change in magnetic field structure: singularity formation and smooth two-fluid dynamics.
More about the research
In fusion reactors, the same process shows up as turbulence. This project develops new mathematics for such problems in fluids and plasmas. The problems are central to fusion research and astrophysics.
Why it matters
New mathematical tools for plasma equilibria could help design stellarators, devices for magnetic-confinement fusion energy. A rigorous understanding of magnetic reconnection could clarify the processes behind solar flares and turbulence in fusion plasmas. The work on radiative kinetics adds new mathematical understanding of how radiation shapes plasma behavior.
Known grants
From NIH and NSF research grants. Labs often have other funding we can't see.
Closest labs
Paul Cassak
Clemson University, SC·Physics
Measure how energy conversion in non-equilibrium plasmas depends on ambient plasma conditions, using a series of two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations of magnetic reconnection and turbulence.
Colby Haggerty
University of Hawaii at Manoa, HI·Physics·Early-career
Determine how a velocity shear between neighboring plasma flows changes the rate, outflow speed and heating of collisionless magnetic reconnection, using kinetic modeling and theory.
Camillo De Lellis
Princeton University, NJ·Mathematics & Statistics
Prove the existence of Navier-Stokes solutions whose kinetic energy dissipation stays positive as viscosity goes to zero, without adding spurious oscillations to the initial data, giving rigorous examples of anomalous dissipation.
The school
Princeton University: 26 labs on PI Pages, $559M a year on research, 403 research doctorates a year.
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