Introduction to magnetohydrodynamics /
P.A. Davidson.
- Second edition.
- 1 online resource (xviii, 555 pages) : digital, PDF file(s).
- Cambridge texts in applied mathematics .
- Cambridge texts in applied mathematics. .
Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 28 Feb 2017).
A qualitative overview of MHD -- The governing equations of electrodynamics -- A first course in fluid dynamics -- The governing equations of MHD -- Kinematics: advection, diffusion & intensification of magnetic fields -- Dynamics at low magnetic Reynolds number -- Dynamics at high magnetic Reynolds number -- An introduction to turbulence -- MHD turbulence at low and high magnetic Reynolds number -- The world of metallurgical MHD -- The generation and suppression of motion in castings -- Axisymmetric flows driven by the injection of current -- MHD instabilities in aluminium reduction cells -- The geodynamo -- Stellar magnetism -- Plasma containment in fusion reactors.
Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) plays a crucial role in astrophysics, planetary magnetism, engineering and controlled nuclear fusion. This comprehensive textbook emphasizes physical ideas, rather than mathematical detail, making it accessible to a broad audience. Starting from elementary chapters on fluid mechanics and electromagnetism, it takes the reader all the way through to the latest ideas in more advanced topics, including planetary dynamos, stellar magnetism, fusion plasmas and engineering applications. With the new edition, readers will benefit from additional material on MHD instabilities, planetary dynamos and applications in astrophysics, as well as a whole new chapter on fusion plasma MHD. The development of the material from first principles and its pedagogical style makes this an ideal companion for both undergraduate students and postgraduate students in physics, applied mathematics and engineering. Elementary knowledge of vector calculus is the only prerequisite.