Introduction to Plasma Physics

Introduction to Plasma Physics
Author: D. A. Gurnett
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 468
Release: 2005-01-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9780521364836

Advanced undergraduate/beginning graduate text on space and laboratory plasma physics.

Principles of Magnetohydrodynamics

Principles of Magnetohydrodynamics
Author: J. P. Goedbloed
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 644
Release: 2004-08-05
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9780521626071

This textbook provides a modern and accessible introduction to magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). It describes the two main applications of plasma physics, laboratory research on thermo-nuclear fusion energy and plasma astrophysics of the solar system, stars and accretion disks, from the single viewpoint of MHD. This approach provides effective methods and insights for the interpretation of plasma phenomena on virtually all scales, from the laboratory to the universe. It equips the reader with the necessary tools to understand the complexities of plasma dynamics in extended magnetic structures. The classical MHD model is developed in detail without omitting steps in the derivations and problems are included at the end of each chapter. This text is ideal for senior-level undergraduate and graduate courses in plasma physics and astrophysics.

Lectures in Magnetohydrodynamics

Lectures in Magnetohydrodynamics
Author: Dalton D. Schnack
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 317
Release: 2009-08-11
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3642006884

Magnetohydrodynamics, or MHD, is a theoretical way of describing the statics and dynamics of electrically conducting uids. The most important of these uids occurring in both nature and the laboratory are ionized gases, called plasmas. These have the simultaneous properties of conducting electricity and being electrically charge neutral on almost all length scales. The study of these gases is called plasma physics. MHD is the poor cousin of plasma physics. It is the simplest theory of plasma dynamics. In most introductory courses, it is usually afforded a short chapter or lecture at most: Alfven ́ waves, the kink mode, and that is it. (Now, on to Landau damping!) In advanced plasma courses, such as those dealing with waves or kinetic theory, it is given an even more cursory treatment, a brief mention on the way to things more profound and interesting. (It is just MHD! Besides, real plasma phy- cists do kinetic theory!) Nonetheless, MHD is an indispensable tool in all applications of plasma physics.

An Introduction to Plasma Astrophysics and Magnetohydrodynamics

An Introduction to Plasma Astrophysics and Magnetohydrodynamics
Author: M. Goossens
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 215
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9400710763

Most of the visible matter in the universe exists in the plasma state. Plasmas are of major importance for space physics, solar physics, and astrophysics. On Earth they are essential for magnetic controlled thermonuclear fusion. This textbook collects lecture notes from a one-semester course taught at the K.U. Leuven to advanced undergraduate students in applied mathematics and physics. A particular strength of this book is that it provides a low threshold introduction to plasmas with an emphasis on first principles and fundamental concepts and properties. The discussion of plasma models is to a large extent limited to Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) with its merits and limitations clearly explained. MHD provides the students on their first encounter with plasmas, with a powerful plasma model that they can link to familiar classic fluid dynamics. The solar wind is studied as an example of hydrodynamics and MHD at work in solar physics and astrophysics.

Magnetohydrodynamics of Laboratory and Astrophysical Plasmas

Magnetohydrodynamics of Laboratory and Astrophysical Plasmas
Author: Hans Goedbloed
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 995
Release: 2019-01-31
Genre: Science
ISBN: 110857758X

With ninety per cent of visible matter in the universe existing in the plasma state, an understanding of magnetohydrodynamics is essential for anyone looking to understand solar and astrophysical processes, from stars to accretion discs and galaxies; as well as laboratory applications focused on harnessing controlled fusion energy. This introduction to magnetohydrodynamics brings together the theory of plasma behavior with advanced topics including the applications of plasma physics to thermonuclear fusion and plasma- astrophysics. Topics covered include streaming and toroidal plasmas, nonlinear dynamics, modern computational techniques, incompressible plasma turbulence and extreme transonic and relativistic plasma flows. The numerical techniques needed to apply magnetohydrodynamics are explained, allowing the reader to move from theory to application and exploit the latest algorithmic advances. Bringing together two previous volumes: Principles of Magnetohydrodynamics and Advanced Magnetohydrodynamics, and completely updated with new examples, insights and applications, this volume constitutes a comprehensive reference for students and researchers interested in plasma physics, astrophysics and thermonuclear fusion.

Advanced Magnetohydrodynamics

Advanced Magnetohydrodynamics
Author: J. P. Goedbloed
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 651
Release: 2010-04-29
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1139487280

Following on from the companion volume Principles of Magnetohydrodynamics, this textbook analyzes the applications of plasma physics to thermonuclear fusion and plasma astrophysics from the single viewpoint of MHD. This approach turns out to be ever more powerful when applied to streaming plasmas (the vast majority of visible matter in the Universe), toroidal plasmas (the most promising approach to fusion energy), and nonlinear dynamics (where it all comes together with modern computational techniques and extreme transonic and relativistic plasma flows). The textbook interweaves theory and explicit calculations of waves and instabilities of streaming plasmas in complex magnetic geometries. It is ideally suited to advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in plasma physics and astrophysics.

Nonlinear Magnetohydrodynamics

Nonlinear Magnetohydrodynamics
Author: D. Biskamp
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 400
Release: 1997-07-17
Genre: Mathematics
ISBN: 9780521599184

A self-contained introduction to magnetohydrodynamics with emphasis on nonlinear processes.

Magnetohydrodynamics of Plasma Relaxation

Magnetohydrodynamics of Plasma Relaxation
Author: S. Ortolani
Publisher: World Scientific
Total Pages: 208
Release: 1993
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9789810208608

This book gives a concise description of the phenomenon of plasma relaxation from the point of view of resistive magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) theory. Magnetized plasmas relax when they seek their natural state of lowest energy subject to certain topological constraints imposed by the magnetic field. Relaxation may be fast and dynamic or slow and gradual depending on the external environment in which the magnetoplasma system evolves. Relaxation occurs throughout the universe and may describe such diverse phenomena as dynamos, solar flares, and the operation of magnetic fusion energy experiments. This book concentrates on the dynamic, rather than variational aspects of relaxation. While the processes described are general, the book focuses on the reversed-field pinch experiment as a paradigm for plasma relaxation and dynamo action. Examples from other branches of plasma physics are also discussed. The authors draw upon their extensive experience in numerical and experimental studies of relaxation.

Engineering Magnetohydrodynamics

Engineering Magnetohydrodynamics
Author: George W. Sutton
Publisher: Courier Dover Publications
Total Pages: 571
Release: 2006-07-07
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0486450325

Suitable for advanced undergraduates and graduate students in engineering, this text introduces the concepts of plasma physics and magnetohydrodynamics from a physical viewpoint. The first section of the three-part treatment deals mainly with the properties of ionized gases in magnetic and electric fields, essentially following the microscopic viewpoint. An introduction surveys the concepts of ionized gases and plasmas, together with a variety of magnetohydrodynamic regimes. A review of electromagnetic field theory follows, including motion of an individual charged particle and derivations of drift motions and adiabatic invariants. Additional topics include kinetic theory, derivation of electrical conductivity, development of statistical mechanics, radiation from plasma, and plasma wave motion. Part II addresses the macroscopic motion of electrically conducting compressible fluids: magnetohydrodynamic approximations; description of macroscopic fluid motions; magnetohydrodynamic channel flow; methods of estimating channel-flow behavior; and treatment of magnetohydrodynamic boundary layers. Part III draws upon the material developed in previous sections to explore applications of magnetohydrodynamics. The text concludes with a series of problems that reinforce the teachings of all three parts.