MAS422 Magnetohydrodynamics
Note: Information for future academic years is provisional. Timetable information and teaching staff are especially likely to change, but other details may also be altered, some courses may not run at all, and other courses may be added.
| Semester 2, 2022/23 | 10 Credits | ||||
| Lecturer: | Dr Gary Verth | Timetable | Reading List | ||
| Aims | Outcomes | Teaching Methods | Assessment | ||
Magnetohydrodynamics has been successfully applied to a number of astrophysical problems (e.g., to problems in Solar and Magnetospheric Physics), as well as to problems related to laboratory physics, especially to fusion devices. This module gives an introduction to classical magnetohydrodynamics. Students will get familiar with the system of magnetohydrodynamic equations and main theorems that follow from this system (e.g., conservation laws, anti-dynamo theorem). They will study the simplest magnetic equilibrium configurations, propagation of linear waves, and magnetohydrodynamic stability.
Prerequisites: MAS222 (Differential Equations); MAS280 (Mechanics and Fluids)
No other modules have this module as a prerequisite.
Outline syllabus
- The system of magnetohydrodynamic equations and its main properties.
- Solutions of magnetohydrodynamic equations.
- Magnetohydrodynamics equilibria.
- Propagation of magnetohydrodynamic waves.
- Magnetohydrodynamic stability.
Aims
- To introduce the system of magnetohydrodynamic equations.
- To describe the main properties of this system of equations.
- To show using simple examples how this system of equations can be applied to different astrophysical and laboratory phenomena.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the unit students should have:- Understood the main principles of magnetohydrodynamics.
- Studied the main properties of motion of conducting fluids.
- Developed expertise in solving magnetohydrodynamic equations.
Teaching methods
Lectures
20 lectures, no tutorials
Assessment
One formal 2 hour written examination. Format: 4 questions.
Reading list
| Type | Author(s) | Title | Library | Blackwells | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B | Goedbloed and Poedts | Principles of Magnetohydrodynamics | 538.6 (G) | Blackwells | Amazon |
| B | Goossens | Introduction to Plasma Astrophysics and Magnetohydrodynamics | 523.2 (G) | Blackwells | Amazon |
| B | Priest | Solar Magneto-hydrodynamics | 523.72 (P) | Blackwells | Amazon |
(A = essential, B = recommended, C = background.)
Most books on reading lists should also be available from the Blackwells shop at Jessop West.