THEORETICAL MODELING OF A WEAK CORRELATION EFFECT IN A NONIDEAL PLASMA

Weak correlation effect in a nonideal plasma system has been modeled w ithin a fluid description by an average classical Coulomb interaction potential in dynamic momentum equation of the electrons. This is the l owest order correction and models the small deviation from the ideal g as behavior of the plasma. Numerical solution of the Poisson equation shows a reasonably good agreement with the earlier calculation based o n the statistical formulation of the particle correlation in plasmas. Effects of the particle correlation may be displayed through the modif ication in the dispersion characteristics of the plasma waves/sheath p otential at a surface in contact with the nonideal plasma. (C) 1996 Am erican Institute of Physics.