Time Confinement Simulation of a Charged Particle in a Mirror Magnetic Field

Abstract

Plasma is a state of matter formed of electrically charged particles. Those particles are greatly influenced by electromagnetic interactions, which have been abundantly studied since the 19 century. The Lorentz equation is used to analyze the force that acts over a particle. This equation depends on the evaluated magnetic and electric field in a specific position. The electric field is described using the Maxwell equation. This study has the purpose of presenting and discussing the results of a simulation done using the MatLab computer software, to measure the confinement time of a particle in a magnetic field. The confinement time is one of the statements that constitute the Lawson’s criterion that establishes the conditions necessary for fusion. Key Terms - Confinement Time, Lawson’s Criterion, Lorentz Force, Plasma.