Molecular dynamics simulations of strongly coupled particle beams

We investigate the dynamics of intense space-charge-dominated heavy-ion beams. Our main interest lies in the various processes causing emittance changes. We extend the well-known envelope equations for periodic quadrupole channels by introducing a dynamics for the emittances. The additional equations account for intrabeam scattering. The parameter of the model, a relaxation rate, is discussed over a wide range of beam parameters. A generalization of the envelope equations to the case of storage rings, where bending magnets and thus dispersion are present, is also given. Finally, we present first results concerning intrabeam scattering effects in space-charge-dominated beams in storage rings.