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.

This text focuses on conservation laws in magnetohydrodynamics, gasdynamics and hydrodynamics. A grasp of new conservation laws is essential in fusion and space plasmas, as well as in geophysical fluid dynamics; they can be used to test numerical codes, or to reveal new aspects of the underlying physics, e.g., by identifying the time history of the fluid elements as an important key to understanding fluid vorticity or in investigating the stability of steady flows. The ten Galilean Lie point symmetries of the fundamental action discussed in this book give rise to the conservation of energy, momentum, angular momentum and center of mass conservation laws via Noether’s first theorem. The advected invariants are related to fluid relabeling symmetries – so-called diffeomorphisms associated with the Lagrangian map – and are obtained by applying the Euler-Poincare approach to Noether’s second theorem. The book discusses several variants of helicity including kinetic helicity, cross helicity, magnetic helicity, Ertels’ theorem and potential vorticity, the Hollman invariant, and the Godbillon Vey invariant. The book develops the non-canonical Hamiltonian approach to MHD using the non-canonical Poisson bracket, while also refining the multisymplectic approach to ideal MHD and obtaining novel nonlocal conservation laws. It also briefly discusses Anco and Bluman’s direct method for deriving conservation laws. A range of examples is used to illustrate topological invariants in MHD and fluid dynamics, including the Hopf invariant, the Calugareanu invariant, the Taylor magnetic helicity reconnection hypothesis for magnetic fields in highly conducting plasmas, and the magnetic helicity of Alfvén simple waves, MHD topological solitons, and the Parker Archimedean spiral magnetic field. The Lagrangian map is used to obtain a class of solutions for incompressible MHD. The Aharonov-Bohm interpretation of magnetic helicity and cross helicity is discussed. In closing, examples of magnetosonic N-waves are used to illustrate the role of the wave number and group velocity concepts for MHD waves. This self-contained and pedagogical guide to the fundamentals will benefit postgraduate-level newcomers and seasoned researchers alike.

This book is an introductory text on magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) - the study of the interaction of magnetic fields and conducting fluids.

This classic book covers the solution of differential equations in science and engineering in such as way as to provide an introduction for novices before progressing toward increasingly more difficult problems. The Method of Weighted Residuals and Variational Principles describes variational principles, including how to find them and how to use them to construct error bounds and create stationary principles. The book also illustrates how to use simple methods to find approximate solutions, shows how to use the finite element method for more complex problems, and provides detailed information on error bounds. Problem sets make this book ideal for self-study or as a course text.

This book covers a variety of topics related to kinetic theory in neutral gases and magnetized plasmas, with extensions to other systems such as quantum plasmas and granular flows. A comprehensive presentation is given for the Boltzmann equations and other kinetic equations for a neutral gas, together with the derivations of compressible and incompressible fluid dynamical systems, and their rigorous justification. Several contributions are devoted to collisionless magnetized plasmas. Rigorous results concerning the well-posedness of the Vlasov-Maxwell system are presented. Special interest is devoted to asymptotic regimes where the scales of variation of the electromagnetic field are clearly separated from those associated with the gyromotion of the particles. This volume collects lectures given at the Short Course and Workshop on Kinetic Theory organized at the Fields Institute of Mathematical Sciences in Toronto during the Spring of 2004.

There has been an increase in interest worldwide in fusion research over the last decade and a half due to the recognition that a large number of new, environmentally attractive, sustainable energy sources will be needed to meet ever increasing demand for electrical energy. Based on a series of course notes from graduate courses in plasma physics and fusion energy at MIT, the text begins with an overview of world energy needs, current methods of energy generation, and the potential role that fusion may play in the future. It covers energy issues such as the production of fusion power, power balance, the design of a simple fusion reactor and the basic plasma physics issues faced by the developers of fusion power. This book is suitable for graduate students and researchers working in applied physics and nuclear engineering. A large number of problems accumulated over two decades of teaching are included to aid understanding.

This unified introduction provides the tools and techniques needed to analyze plasmas and connects plasma phenomena to other fields of study. Combining mathematical rigor with qualitative explanations, and linking theory to practice with example problems, this is a perfect textbook for senior undergraduate and graduate students taking one-semester introductory plasma physics courses. For the first time, material is presented in the context of unifying principles, illustrated using organizational charts, and structured in a successive progression from single particle motion, to kinetic theory and average values, through to collective phenomena of waves in plasma. This provides students with a stronger understanding of the topics covered, their interconnections, and when different types of plasma models are applicable. Furthermore, mathematical derivations are rigorous, yet concise, so physical understanding is not lost in lengthy mathematical treatments. Worked examples illustrate practical applications of theory and students can test their new knowledge with 90 end-of-chapter problems.

Annotation Classical field theory is employed by physicists to describe a wide variety of physical phenomena. These include electromagnetism, fluid dynamics, gravitation and quantum mechanics. The central entity of field theory is the field which is usually a multi component function of space and time. Those multi component functions are usually grouped together as vector fields as in the case in electromagnetic theory and fluid dynamics, in other cases they are grouped as tensors as in theories of gravitation and yet in other cases they are grouped as complex functions as in the case of quantum mechanics. In order to know the value of the field one needs to solve a set of coupled partial differential equations with given boundary and initial conditions. The book covers a selection of recent advances in classical field theory involving electromagnetism, fluid dynamics, gravitation and quantum mechanics. Advances in Classical Field Theory will benefit readers by saving them the effort to read through numerous journal articles which would be needed to obtain a coherent picture of classical field theory otherwise. The book is unique in its aim and scope and is not similar to any existing publication.

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