Kinetic modelling of temperature equilibration rates in the plasma

Using the new Fokker–Planck code KIPP (KInetic code for Plasma Periphery) we examined the accuracy of the common expressions for temperature equilibration rates. Our simulations give new insights into the role of slow electrons in the equilibration process and show that deviations from the common theory are significant especially for the temperature equilibration between two ion species. The second part of the present work deals with the equalization rate of parallel and perpendicular temperatures of a charged species in a magnetic field. Again the simulations show that significant deviations from analytical results arise. Finally we suggest a correction to the analytical formula which better describes our results.