Magnetohydrodynamics Historical Evolution and Trends [Paperback]

This book revises the evolution of ideas in various branches of magnetohydrodynamics (astrophysics, earth and solar dynamos, pinch, MHD turbulence and liquid metals) and reviews current trends and challenges. Uniquely, it contains the review articles on the development of the subject by pioneers in the field as well as leading experts, not just in one, but in various branches of magnetohydrodynamics, such as liquid metals, astrophysics, dynamo and pinch.

Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) studies the interaction between the flow of an electrically conducting fluid and magnetic fields. It involves such diverse topics as the evolution and dynamics of astrophysical objects, thermonuclear fusion, metallurgy and semiconductor crystal growth, etc. Although the first ideas in magnetohydrodynamics appeared at the beginning of the last century, the explosion in theoretical and experimental studies occurred in the 1950s-60s.

This state-of-the-art book aims at revising the evolution of ideas in various branches of magnetohydrodynamics (astrophysics, earth and solar dynamos, plasmas, MHD turbulence and liquid metals) and reviews current trends and challenges.

Part I Dynamo, Astrophysics, and Plasmas: How MHD Transformed the Theory of Geomagnetism, by Paul Roberts; Early Magnetohydrodynamic Research in Stockholm, by Bo Lehnert; Dynamo Experiments, by Agris Gailitis, Olgerts Lielausis, Gunter Gerbeth, Frank Stefani ; MeanField Dynamo Theory: Early Ideas and Todays Problems, by Karl-Heinz R?dler; Astrophysical MHD - The Early Years, by Leon Mestel; Turbulence and Magnetic Fields in Astrophysical Plasmas, by Alexander A Schekochihin, Steven C Cowley; Transient Pinched Plasmas and Strong Hydromagnetic Waves, by John E Allen. Part II High Magnetic Fields: Early Years of MHD at Cambridge University Engineering Department, by Martin Cowley; Julius Hartmann and His Followers: a Review on the Properties of the Hartmann Layer, by Ren? Morlc-