The Physics of Fluids and Plasmas
An Introduction for Astrophysicists

A clear, pedagogical and uniquely unified introduction to fluid mechanics and plasma physics for graduate students in astrophysics.

Arnab Rai Choudhuri (Author)

9780521555432, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 26 November 1998

448 pages, 90 b/w illus. 2 tables 68 exercises
24.7 x 18.6 x 2.5 cm, 0.8 kg

'The book is well written, covering quite a large number of topics in a clear and pleasant style which makes enjoyable reading … The student who reads this book will successfully gain a very good understanding of many, often referred to, astrophysical topics.' R. M. Kulsrud, Nuclear Fusion

A good working knowledge of fluid mechanics and plasma physics is essential for the modern astrophysicist. This graduate textbook provides a clear, pedagogical introduction to these core subjects. Assuming an undergraduate background in physics, this book develops fluid mechanics and plasma physics from first principles. This book is unique because it presents neutral fluids and plasmas in a unified scheme, clearly indicating both their similarities and their differences. Also, both the macroscopic (continuum) and microscopic (particle) theories are developed, establishing the connections between them. Throughout, key examples from astrophysics are used, though no previous knowledge of astronomy is assumed. Exercises are included at the end of chapters to test the reader's understanding. This textbook is aimed primarily at astrophysics graduate students. It will also be of interest to advanced students in physics and applied mathematics seeking a unified view of fluid mechanics and plasma physics, encompassing both the microscopic and macroscopic theories.

Introduction
Part I. Neutral Fluids: 2. Boltzmann equation
3. March towards hydrodynamics
4. Properties of ideal fluids
5. Viscous flows
6. Gas dynamics
7. Linear theory of waves and instabilities
8. Turbulence
9. Rotation and hydrodynamics
Part II. Plasmas: 10. Plasma orbit theory
11. Dynamics of many charged particles
12. Collisionless processes in plasmas
13. Collisional processes and the one-fluid model
14. Basic magnetohydrodynamics
15. Theory of magnetic topologies
16. Dynamo theory
Appendices: A. Useful vector relations
B. Integrals in kinetic theory
C. Formulae and equations in cylindrical and spherical coordinates
D. Values of various quantities
E. Basic parameters pertaining to plasmas
Suggestions for further reading
References.

Subject Areas: Astrophysics [PHVB], Plasma physics [PHFP], Fluid mechanics [PHDF]