Magnetohydrodynamics of Laboratory and Astrophysical Plasmas

An introduction to magnetohydrodynamics combining theory with advanced topics including the applications of plasma physics to thermonuclear fusion and plasma astrophysics.

Hans Goedbloed (Author), Rony Keppens (Author), Stefaan Poedts (Author)

9781107123922, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 31 January 2019

992 pages, 228 b/w illus. 100 colour illus. 11 tables
25.3 x 18 x 5 cm, 1.98 kg

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.

Preface
Part I. Plasma Physics Preliminaries: 1. Introduction
2. Elements of plasma physics
3. 'Derivation' of the macroscopic equations
Part II. Basic Magnetohydrodynamics: 4. The MHD model
5. Waves and characteristics
6. Spectral theory
Part III. Standard Model Applications: 7. Waves and instabilities of inhomogeneous plasmas
8. Magnetic structures and dynamics of the solar system
9. Cylindrical plasmas
10. Initial value problem and wave damping
11. Resonant absorption and wave heating
Part IV. Flow and Dissipation: 12. Waves and instabilities of stationary plasmas
13. Shear flow and rotation
14. Resistive plasma dynamics
15. Computational linear MHD
Part V. Toroidal Geometry: 16. Static equilibrium of toroidal plasmas
17. Linear dynamics of static toroidal plasmas
18. Linear dynamics of toroidal plasmas with flow
Part VI. Nonlinear Dynamics: 19. Turbulence in incompressible magneto-fluids
20. Computational nonlinear MHD
21. Transonic MHD flows and shocks
22. Ideal MHD in special relativity
Appendices: A. Vectors and coordinates
B. Tables of physical quantities
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Astrophysics [PHVB], Nuclear physics [PHN], Plasma physics [PHFP]