Nonlinear Magnetohydrodynamics
Nonlinear Magnetohydrodynamics
CAD$98.95
A self-contained introduction to magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), with emphasis on nonlinear processes. Chapters 2 to 4 outline the conventional aspects of MHD theory, magnetostatic equilibrium and linear stability theory, which form a natural basis for the topics in the subsequent chapters. The main part, chapters 5 to 7, presents nonlinear theory, starting with the evolutions and saturations of individual ideas and resistive instabilities, continuing with a detailed analysis of magnetic reconnection, and concluding with the most complex nonlinear behaviour, that of MHD turbulence. The last chapters describe three important applications of the theory: disruptive processes in tokamaks, MHD effects in reversed-field pinches, and solar flares. In the presentation the focus is more on physical mechanisms than on special formalisms. The book is essential reading for researchers and graduate students interested in MHD processes both in laboratory and in astrophysical plasmas.
- Internationally respected author
- Individual chapters are self-contained overviews
- Focuses on physical mechanisms rather than on special formalisms, so will interest experimentalists as well as theorists
Reviews & endorsements
"This interplay among theory, experiment and simulation is the most interesting feature of this excellent book....[I]t contains among the best reviews of reconnection and MHD turbulence I have read....[A] well-written book that would be highly valuable to anyone working in laboratory or space plasmas....[I]t presents a clear description of current areas of research, with the emphasis always on the physics of the phenomenon." Spiro K. Antiochos, Physics Today
"...covers a huge amount of material...densely packed with information and broad in scope...very thorough...an excellent monograph for investigators in the field of plasma physics and controlled fusion. It pushes to the limits of what is known in the field. Biskamp is able to make sweeping statements with authority, backed up by a commanding knowledge of theory, simulation, and experiment." Glenn Bateman, American Scientist
"This book is a very valuable contribution to the existing literature, because it provides much needed physical guidance into the complicated and exciting world of MHD theory." Alexander Lifschitz, Mathematical Reviews
Product details
August 1997Paperback
9780521599184
396 pages
248 × 174 × 23 mm
0.65kg
125 b/w illus. 20 tables
Available
Table of Contents
- Preface
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Basic properties of magnetohydrodynamics
- 3. Magnetostatic equilibria
- 4. Normal modes and instability
- 5. Nonlinear evolution of MHD instabilities
- 6. Magnetic reconnection
- 7. MHD turbulence
- 8. Disruptive processes in tokamak plasmas
- 9. Dynamics of the reversed-field pinch
- 10. Solar flares
- Outlook
- References
- Index.
