Project description
Microscale turbulence and its role in non-Maxwellian equilibria of space plasmas
Accretion disks, intracluster medium and the heliosphere all consist of plasma, the most common state of matter in the universe. Plasmas are effectively collisionless so the velocity distribution of charged particles like electrons is not bound by conventional Maxwell-Boltzmann thermodynamic equilibrium. However, non-Maxwellian equilibria can exist and such equilibria may be universal. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the MicroDynaMIQ project aims to characterise these special equilibrium plasma states in the heliosphere by combining spacecraft observations, kinetic theory and numerical simulations. The findings could transform our understanding of the statistical thermodynamics of microscale turbulence in shaping these equilibria in collisionless plasma throughout the universe.
Objective
Plasma is the most common state of matter in the Universe. In most plasma environments, such as accretion disks, intracluster medium, and the heliosphere, the interparticle collision frequency is much smaller than the characteristic particle time scale, so the plasma is effectively collisionless. As a result, the velocity distribution function of charged particles, such as electrons, is not bound to the Maxwell-Boltzmann thermodynamic equilibrium. Nevertheless, stable non-Maxwellian equilibria can exist in collisionless plasma. In particular, recent advances using Lynden-Bell statistical mechanics theory and kinetic Vlasov theory of electrostatic turbulence suggest that non-Maxwellian equilibria are universal. This project aims to understand the varieties of such equilibria and their universality in the heliospheric plasma. To this end, we will propose an innovative data-driven approach, combining in situ observations from state-of-the-art spacecraft, theory, and numerical simulations, to characterise the non-Maxwellian equilibria. Using in situ spacecraft observations, we will statistically describe the different non-Maxwellian equilibria in the heliosphere. In addition, we will use kinetic Vlasov theory and numerical simulations to show how microscale turbulence shapes these equilibria through the interaction between electrons and electromagnetic fields. Together, these steps are designed to help us understand and conceptualise the statistical thermodynamics of a collisionless, turbulent plasma at a new level.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
- natural sciences physical sciences thermodynamics
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy galactic astronomy solar physics
- natural sciences physical sciences plasma physics
- natural sciences physical sciences classical mechanics statistical mechanics
- natural sciences mathematics applied mathematics numerical analysis
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
OX1 2JD Oxford
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.