VPIC (Vector Particle-in-Cell)
Glossary term: VPIC (Vector Particle-in-Cell)
01 Definition
A plasma simulation code developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory for modeling kinetic plasma processes at extreme scales. VPIC tracks individual particles in electromagnetic fields, enabling first-principles simulation of magnetic reconnection, plasma instabilities, and beam-plasma interactions relevant to FRC and MTF physics. It runs on the world's largest supercomputers.
03 Key_Facts
- ▸ A plasma simulation code developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory for modeling kinetic plasma processes at extreme scales
- ▸ VPIC tracks individual particles in electromagnetic fields, enabling first-principles simulation of magnetic reconnection, plasma instabilities, and beam-plasma interactions relevant to FRC and MTF physics
- ▸ It runs on the world's largest supercomputers
- ▸ Role: Glossary term: VPIC (Vector Particle-in-Cell)
04 Deep_Dive_Intelligence
Overview
A plasma simulation code developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory for modeling kinetic plasma processes at extreme scales. VPIC tracks individual particles in electromagnetic fields, enabling first-principles simulation of magnetic reconnection, plasma instabilities, and beam-plasma interactions relevant to FRC and MTF physics. It runs on the world's largest supercomputers.
Role: Glossary term: VPIC (Vector Particle-in-Cell)
Entity Type: Concept — VPIC (Vector Particle-in-Cell) is a technical concept or theoretical framework.
Technical Definition
A plasma simulation code developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory for modeling kinetic plasma processes at extreme scales. VPIC tracks individual particles in electromagnetic fields, enabling first-principles simulation of magnetic reconnection, plasma instabilities, and beam-plasma interactions relevant to FRC and MTF physics. It runs on the world's largest supercomputers.
Related Concepts: Los Alamos National Laboratory, FRC, Magnetized Target Fusion, Magnetohydrodynamics
06 Related_Terms (1)
07 Related_Entities (12)
08 Timeline_Mentions (10)
Project Sherwood established
The U.S. AEC's classified controlled-fusion program begins at LANL and partner labs.
historical-contextJames Tuck and the Perhapsatron
James Tuck conducts early fusion experiments with the Perhapsatron at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
fusion-physicsChristofilos begins Astron experiment at LLNL
Greek engineer starts E-layer field reversal concept. Earliest compact torus conception. Presented at 1958 Geneva.
historical-contextChristofilos Astron experiment at LLNL
The Astron experiment established the field-reversed configuration geometry that prefigured modern FRC research.
historical-contextFirst Formal Documentation of FRC Topology
H.A.B. Bodin publishes a paper in Nuclear Fusion describing 'reversed field loops' within a theta-pinch, providing physical evidence of the FRC state.
fusion-physicsInertial-Confinement Flux-Trapping Model Proposed
T.S. Green and A.A. Newton propose that magnetic flux is lost via rapid convection at the radial Alfvén speed, a foundational theory for FRC formation.
fusion-physicsDiscovery of FRC Anomalous Stability
Experiments at LANL discover that Field-Reversed Configurations (FRCs) are significantly more stable than predicted by MHD theory.
fusion-physicsAstron experiment funding cancelled at LLNL
16-year project ends without achieving field reversal. Compact torus concept disperses to spheromak and FRC research.
historical-contextChristofilos Astron experiment cancelled at LLNL
17-year Astron project ends. Field reversal concept disperses to LANL (FRC) and LLNL/PPPL (spheromak).
historical-contextFoundational FRC Research at LANL
Los Alamos National Laboratory establishes the scientific bedrock for Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC) physics through the FRX experiment series.
fusion-physics09 FAQ
What is VPIC (Vector Particle-in-Cell)? ▾
Why does VPIC (Vector Particle-in-Cell) matter? ▾
How does VPIC (Vector Particle-in-Cell) relate to other concepts? ▾
When did VPIC (Vector Particle-in-Cell) appear in the research timeline? ▾
Which entities are associated with VPIC (Vector Particle-in-Cell)? ▾
Is there a detailed dossier for VPIC (Vector Particle-in-Cell)? ▾
Quick_Facts
- Category
- Concepts
- Aliases
- VPIC (Vector Particle-in-Cell), vpic-vector-particle-in-cell
- Sources
- 8
- Related Terms
- 1
- Graph Entities
- 12
- Timeline Events
- 10