Generalized electron fluid equations in the presence of laser irradiation

Generalized fluid models have become increasingly popular for incorporating kinetic effects in hydrodynamic studies of laser–plasma interactions. However, their transport coefficients depend on the source of the thermal perturbation, which leads to difficulties, since both inverse‐bremsstrahlung heating and pdV work drive these perturbations. Treating these sources separately using a model with two energy equations is proposed. Tested against electron Fokker–Planck simulations, this model reproduces both Landau damping of ion‐sound waves and the correct response to inverse bremsstrahlung.