Reports on Subfields of Physics: Plasmas and Fluids

Plasma physics and fluid physics are large fields that are themselves divided into subdisciplines: Plasma physics is practiced by fusion and space researchers and applied to the development of novel particle accelerators and coherent‐light sources, to isotope separation and to astrophysics; fluid physics is important to geophysics, biology, medicine, meteorology, combustion research and pollution control—as well as to plasma physics. The panel devotes one chapter each to fluid physics; general plasma physics, fusion plasmas, confinement and heating; and space and astrophysical plasmas. The highlights and recommendations of the panel report are numerous; space limitations permit only a relatively small number of these to be described below.

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