Coulomb logarithm of a nonideal plasma

The Coulomb logarithm is a fundamental plasma parameter in kinetic theory. The traditional formula for the Coulomb logarithm does not correctly account for collisional processes in systems because it is obtained by using an unscreened Coulomb potential. In the present work, the Coulomb logarithm is derived on the basis of a strongly screened pair effective potential. The effective potential takes into consideration long-range many-particle screening effects. An analytical interpolation expression for the Coulomb logarithm is obtained. This formula could be used for further calculations of kinetic properties of classical nonideal plasma. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.