Magnetohydrodynamics of Plasma Relaxation

Magnetohydrodynamics of Plasma Relaxation
Author: S. Ortolani
Publisher: World Scientific
Total Pages: 208
Release: 1993
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9789810208608

This book gives a concise description of the phenomenon of plasma relaxation from the point of view of resistive magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) theory. Magnetized plasmas relax when they seek their natural state of lowest energy subject to certain topological constraints imposed by the magnetic field. Relaxation may be fast and dynamic or slow and gradual depending on the external environment in which the magnetoplasma system evolves. Relaxation occurs throughout the universe and may describe such diverse phenomena as dynamos, solar flares, and the operation of magnetic fusion energy experiments. This book concentrates on the dynamic, rather than variational aspects of relaxation. While the processes described are general, the book focuses on the reversed-field pinch experiment as a paradigm for plasma relaxation and dynamo action. Examples from other branches of plasma physics are also discussed. The authors draw upon their extensive experience in numerical and experimental studies of relaxation.

Introduction to Plasma Physics

Introduction to Plasma Physics
Author: D. A. Gurnett
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 468
Release: 2005-01-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9780521364836

Advanced undergraduate/beginning graduate text on space and laboratory plasma physics.

Topics in Magnetohydrodynamic Topology, Reconnection and Stability Theory

Topics in Magnetohydrodynamic Topology, Reconnection and Stability Theory
Author: David MacTaggart
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 270
Release: 2019-07-19
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 3030163431

The book presents an advanced but accessible overview of some of the most important sub-branches of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD): stability theory, magnetic topology, relaxation theory and magnetic reconnection. Although each of these subjects is often treated separately, in practical MHD applications they are normally inseparable. MHD is a highly active field of research.The book is written for advanced undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers working on MHD-related research in plasma physics and fluid dynamics.

Lectures in Magnetohydrodynamics

Lectures in Magnetohydrodynamics
Author: Dalton D. Schnack
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 317
Release: 2009-08-26
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3642006876

Magnetohydrodynamics, or MHD, is a theoretical way of describing the statics and dynamics of electrically conducting uids. The most important of these uids occurring in both nature and the laboratory are ionized gases, called plasmas. These have the simultaneous properties of conducting electricity and being electrically charge neutral on almost all length scales. The study of these gases is called plasma physics. MHD is the poor cousin of plasma physics. It is the simplest theory of plasma dynamics. In most introductory courses, it is usually afforded a short chapter or lecture at most: Alfven ́ waves, the kink mode, and that is it. (Now, on to Landau damping!) In advanced plasma courses, such as those dealing with waves or kinetic theory, it is given an even more cursory treatment, a brief mention on the way to things more profound and interesting. (It is just MHD! Besides, real plasma phy- cists do kinetic theory!) Nonetheless, MHD is an indispensable tool in all applications of plasma physics.

Topics in Magnetohydrodynamics

Topics in Magnetohydrodynamics
Author: Linjin Zheng
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
Total Pages: 224
Release: 2012-03-09
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9535102117

To understand plasma physics intuitively one need to master the MHD behaviors. As sciences advance, gap between published textbooks and cutting-edge researches gradually develops. Connection from textbook knowledge to up-to-dated research results can often be tough. Review articles can help. This book contains eight topical review papers on MHD. For magnetically confined fusion one can find toroidal MHD theory for tokamaks, magnetic relaxation process in spheromaks, and the formation and stability of field-reversed configuration. In space plasma physics one can get solar spicules and X-ray jets physics, as well as general sub-fluid theory. For numerical methods one can find the implicit numerical methods for resistive MHD and the boundary control formalism. For low temperature plasma physics one can read theory for Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids etc.

Relaxation Dynamics in Laboratory and Astrophysical Plasmas

Relaxation Dynamics in Laboratory and Astrophysical Plasmas
Author: Patrick H. Diamond
Publisher: World Scientific
Total Pages: 332
Release: 2010
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9814291544

This invaluable book provides a unique opportunity to embrace the complex and fascinating theory of relaxation processes in magnetized plasmas, both in astrophysics and in controlled fusion plasmas. The subjects range from dynamo and reconnection processes in magneto-hydrodynamics and electromagnetic turbulence to fast transport events in self-organized turbulence. Such phenomena, recognized as key bolts in our present understanding, turn out to be extremely challenging for theoretical models. This book efficiently helps to bridge our understanding and description of such processes, analogously observed in laboratory and astrophysical plasmas.

Spheromaks: A Practical Application Of Magnetohydrodynamic Dynamos And Plasma Self-organization

Spheromaks: A Practical Application Of Magnetohydrodynamic Dynamos And Plasma Self-organization
Author: Paul M Bellan
Publisher: World Scientific
Total Pages: 357
Release: 2000-01-22
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1783262192

Spheromaks are easily formed, self-organized magnetized plasma configurations that have intrigued plasma physicists for over two decades. Sometimes called magnetic vortices, magnetic smoke rings, or plasmoids, spheromaks first attracted attention as a possible controlled thermonuclear plasma confinement scheme, but are now known to have many other applications.This book begins with a review of the basic concepts of magnetohydrodynamics and toroidal magnetic configurations, then provides a detailed exposition of the 3D topological concepts underlying spheromak physics, namely magnetic helicity, Taylor relaxation, force-free equilibria, and tilt stability. It then examines spheromak formation techniques, driven and isolated configurations, dynamo concepts, practical experimental issues, diagnostics, and a number of applications. The book concludes by showing how spheromak ideas are closely related to the physics of solar prominences and interplanetary magnetic clouds./a

Multi-scale Dynamical Processes in Space and Astrophysical Plasmas

Multi-scale Dynamical Processes in Space and Astrophysical Plasmas
Author: Manfred P. Leubner
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 230
Release: 2012-08-01
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3642304419

Magnetized plasmas in the universe exhibit complex dynamical behavior over a huge range of scales. The fundamental mechanisms of energy transport, redistribution and conversion occur at multiple scales. The driving mechanisms often include energy accumulation, free-energy-excited relaxation processes, dissipation and self-organization. The plasma processes associated with energy conversion, transport and self-organization, such as magnetic reconnection, instabilities, linear and nonlinear waves, wave-particle interactions, dynamo processes, turbulence, heating, diffusion and convection represent fundamental physical effects. They demonstrate similar dynamical behavior in near-Earth space, on the Sun, in the heliosphere and in astrophysical environments. 'Multi-scale Dynamical Processes in Space and Astrophysical Plasmas' presents the proceedings of the International Astrophysics Forum Alpbach 2011. The contributions discuss the latest advances in the exploration of dynamical behavior in space plasmas environments, including comprehensive approaches to theoretical, experimental and numerical aspects. The book will appeal to researchers and students in the fields of physics, space and astrophysics, solar physics, geophysics and planetary science.