An approximate Kappa generator for particle simulations

Abstract

A random number generator for the Kappa velocity distribution in particle simulations is proposed. Approximating the cumulative distribution function with the q-exponential function, an inverse transform procedure is constructed. The proposed method provides practically accurate results, in particular for k<4. It runs fast on graphics processing units (GPUs). The derivation, numerical validation, and relevance to GPU execution models are discussed.

13 pages, 8 figures; to appear in Earth, Planets and Space

References in corpus (4)

• Kappa distributions: theory and applications in space plasmas
• Particle-in-cell simulations of particle energization via shock drift acceleration from low Mach number quasi-perpendicular shocks in solar flares
• Loading a relativistic kappa distribution in particle simulations
• A simple procedure for generating a Kappa distribution in PIC simulation