This textbook provides an accessible and self-contained introduction to the physics behind fluid dynamics; exploring the laws of nature describing three out of four fundamental states of matter (liquids, gases, and plasmas). Based on years of teaching of fluid dynamics theory and computation at advanced undergraduate level, it provides readers with the tools to understand and model fluid dynamical systems across a wide range of applications, from dense liquids to dilute space plasmas. The book covers the principles of fluid dynamics for an audience without prior exposure to fluid dynamics specifically. Discussion of relevant vector algebra, thermodynamics and electromagnetism is included, to ensure that the book is accessible both to readers experienced in these topics and readers starting from a basic understanding. Example applications are drawn both from astrophysics and physics, touching upon topical research such as relativistic blast waves from neutron star mergers and the implications of plasma nature of the atmosphere for present and future radio observatories. These are contrasted and complemented with examples from general physics (e.g. contrasting the incompressible nature of water with the dilute interstellar medium). It is an ideal textbook for advanced undergraduates studying the topic and will provide a solid foundation for further (postgraduate) studies into fluid dynamics in physics or astrophysics. Key Features: Introduction to fluid dynamics pitched at advanced undergraduate level, accessible to students who are still learning relevant mathematical techniques Includes over 60 exercises and selected worked solutions, in addition to timely examples and easily accessible numerical demonstrations written in C and python for readers to experiment with (https://github.com/hveerten/code_fluid_dynamics_book) Up-to-date selection of topics including fluid dynamics in special relativity and computational fluid dynamics, written by an expert in the field. The book covers all that is needed to independently write a finite-volume solver for Euler’s equations and/or reproduce the provided Python and C software Covers a wide range of applications in astrophysics, including first-order Fermi acceleration in shocks, accretion discs, self-similarity in cosmic explosions and interstellar turbulence

This book provides an introduction for graduate students and advanced undergraduate students to the field of astrophysical fluid dynamics. Although sometimes ignored, fluid dynamical processes play a central role in virtually all areas of astrophysics.No previous knowledge of fluid dynamics is assumed. After establishing the basic equations of fluid dynamics and the physics relevant to an astrophysical application, a variety of topics in the field are addressed. There is also a chapter introducing the reader to numerical methods. Appendices list useful physical constants and astronomical quantities, and provide handy reference material on Cartesian tensors, vector calculus in polar coordinates, self-adjoint eigenvalue problems and JWKB theory.

This book grew out of the need to provide students with a solid introduction to modern fluid dynamics. It offers a broad grounding in the underlying principles and techniques used, with some emphasis on applications in astrophysics and planetary science. The book comprehensively covers recent developments, methods and techniques, including, for example, new ideas on transitions to turbulence (via transiently growing stable linear modes), new approaches to turbulence (which remains the enigma of fluid dynamics), and the use of asymptotic approximation methods, which can give analytical or semi-analytical results and complement fully numerical treatments. The authors also briefly discuss some important considerations to be taken into account when developing a numerical code for computer simulation of fluid flows. Although the text is populated throughout with examples and problems from the field of astrophysics and planetary science, the text is eminently suitable as a general introduction to fluid dynamics. It is assumed that the readers are mathematically equipped with a reasonable knowledge in analysis, including basics of ordinary and partial differential equations and a good command of vector calculus and linear algebra. Each chapter concludes with bibliographical notes in which the authors briefly discuss the chapter's essential literature and give recommendations for further, deeper reading. Included in each chapter are a number of problems, some of them relevant to astrophysics and planetary science. The book is written for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, but will also prove a valuable source of reference for established researchers.

This book provides an introduction for graduate students and advanced undergraduate students to the field of astrophysical fluid dynamics. Although sometimes ignored, fluid dynamical processes play a central role in virtually all areas of astrophysics.No previous knowledge of fluid dynamics is assumed. After establishing the basic equations of fluid dynamics and the physics relevant to an astrophysical application, a variety of topics in the field are addressed. There is also a chapter introducing the reader to numerical methods. Appendices list useful physical constants and astronomical quantities, and provide handy reference material on Cartesian tensors, vector calculus in polar coordinates, self-adjoint eigenvalue problems and JWKB theory./a

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

Part of the Physics in a New Era series of assessments of the various branches of the field, Elementary-Particle Physics reviews progress in the field over the past 10 years and recommends actions needed to address the key questions that remain unanswered. It explains in simple terms the present picture of how matter is constructed. As physicists have probed ever deeper into the structure of matter, they have begun to explore one of the most fundamental questions that one can ask about the universe: What gives matter its mass? A new international accelerator to be built at the European laboratory CERN will begin to explore some of the mechanisms proposed to give matter its heft. The committee recommends full U.S. participation in this project as well as various other experiments and studies to be carried out now and in the longer term.

Fluid dynamical forces drive most of the fundamental processes in the Universe and so play a crucial role in our understanding of astrophysics. This comprehensive textbook, first published in 2007, introduces the necessary fluid dynamics to understand a wide range of astronomical phenomena, from stellar structures to supernovae blast waves, to accretion discs. The authors' approach is to introduce and derive the fundamental equations, supplemented by text that conveys a more intuitive understanding of the subject, and to emphasise the observable phenomena that rely on fluid dynamical processes. The textbook has been developed for use by final-year undergraduate and starting graduate students of astrophysics, and contains over fifty exercises. It is based on the authors' many years of teaching their astrophysical fluid dynamics course at the University of Cambridge.

Helicities in Geophysics, Astrophysics, and Beyond Helicities play essential roles in numerous geophysical, astrophysical, and magnetohydrodynamic phenomena, thus are studied from various disciplinary viewpoints. Helicities in Geophysics, Astrophysics, and Beyond draws together experts from different research fields to present an interdisciplinary and integrated approach to helicity studies. This synthesis advances understanding of the fundamental physical processes underlying various helicity-related phenomena. Volume highlights include: Concise introduction to fundamental properties of helicities Recent developments and achievements in helicity studies Perspectives from different fields including geophysics, space physics, solar physics, plasma physics, atmospheric and nonlinear sciences A cohesive mathematical, physical, observational, experimental, and numerical strategy for helicity studies A synthesized framework for the application of helicity to real-world problems The American Geophysical Union promotes discovery in Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity. Its publications disseminate scientific knowledge and provide resources for researchers, students, and professionals.