Paul Nizenkov, Asim Mirza, Stephen Copplestone, Julian Beyer, boltzplatz - numerical plasma dynamics GmbH, Stuttgart, Germany
In this presentation, we introduce PICLas, a freely available open-source software for simulating rarefied gas and plasma dynamics. PICLas provides a powerful framework for Particle-in-Cell (PIC) and Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) methods, making it a versatile tool for studying complex flow phenomena in low-pressure environments. This talk will cover the background and history of PICLas, including its development by a dedicated team of researchers and contributors, ensuring continuous improvements and accessibility for the scientific and industrial community.
To demonstrate the capabilities of PICLas and establish trust in its reliability, a step-by-step verification of the Particle-in-Cell with Monte Carlo Collisions (PIC-MCC) modeling approach within PICLas will be presented. The verification process is based on established benchmark cases, allowing for a detailed assessment of the accuracy and robustness of the implemented algorithms. Beyond verification, practical application examples will be showcased to illustrate how PICLas can be employed in real-world scenarios. By the end of this presentation, attendees will have a clear understanding of the capabilities and advantages of PICLas for plasma simulations. The open-source nature of the software ensures transparency, adaptability, and continuous development driven by the community. We invite researchers, engineers, and industry professionals to explore the potential of PICLas in their respective fields and contribute to its ongoing evolution.