Verification methods for drift-diffusion reaction models for plasma simulations

Compared to other computational physics areas such as codes for general computational fluid dynamics, the documentation of verification methods for plasma fluid codes remains under developed. Current analytical solutions for plasma are often highly limited in terms of testing highly coupled physics, due to the harsh assumptions needed to derive even simple plasma equations. This work highlights these limitations, suggesting the method of manufactured solutions (MMSs) as a potential option for future verification efforts. To demonstrate the flexibility of MMS in verifying these highly coupled systems, the Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE) framework was utilized. Thanks to the MOOSE framework's robustness and modularity, as well as to its physics module capabilities and ecosystem applications (i.e. Zapdos and the chemical reaction network) developed for plasma physics modeling and simulation, this report lays the groundwork for a structured method of conducting plasma fluid code verification.

Automated summary

Compared to other computational physics areas, the verification methods for plasma fluid codes are not well-documented. Current analytical solutions for plasma are limited due to the assumptions needed. This study suggests using the method of manufactured solutions (MMSs) for future verification efforts and highlights the flexibility of MMS in verifying highly coupled systems. The MOOSE framework was utilized to demonstrate the effectiveness of MMS in plasma fluid code verification.