A Vlasov Algorithm Derived from Phase Space Conservation

Abstract: Existing approaches to solving the Vlasov equation treat the system as a partial differential equation on a phase space grid, and track in either an Eulerian, Lagrangian, or semi-Lagrangian picture. We present an alternative approach, which treats the Vlasov equation as a conservative flow on phase space, and derives its equations of motion using particle-pushing algorithms akin to particle-in-cell methods. Deposition to the grid is determined from the convolution of local basis functions. This approach has the benefit of allowing flexible definitions in the grid, which are decoupled from how the phase space flow evolves. We present numerical examples and comment on the various properties of the algorithm.