Nonlinear Magnetohydrodynamics [Paperback]

A self-contained introduction to magnetohydrodynamics with emphasis on nonlinear processes.Now in paperback, this book provides a self-contained introduction to magnetohydrodynamics, with emphasis on nonlinear processes. The focus is more on physical mechanisms than on special formalisms. Essential reading for researchers and graduate students interested in magnetohydrodynamic processes both in laboratory and in astrophysical plasmas.Now in paperback, this book provides a self-contained introduction to magnetohydrodynamics, with emphasis on nonlinear processes. The focus is more on physical mechanisms than on special formalisms. Essential reading for researchers and graduate students interested in magnetohydrodynamic processes both in laboratory and in astrophysical plasmas.This book provides a self-contained introduction to magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), with emphasis on nonlinear processes. The book outlines the conventional aspects of MHD theory, magnetostatic equilibrium and linear stability theory. It concentrates on nonlinear theory, starting with the evolution and saturation of individual ideal and resistive instabilities, continuing with a detailed analysis of magnetic reconnection and concluding with a study of the most complex nonlinear behavior, that of MHD turbulence. The last chapters describe three important applications of the theory: disruptive processes in tokomaks, MHD effects in the reversed field pinch, and solar flares.Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. Basic properties of magnetohydrodynamics; 3. Magnetostatic equilibria; 4. Normal modes and instability; 5. Nonlinear evolution of MHD instabilities; 6. Magnetic reconnection; 7. MHD turbulence; 8. Disruptive processes in tokamak plasmas; 9. Dynamics of the reversed-field pinch; 10. Solar flares; Outlook; References; Index. This interplay among theory, experiment and simulation is the most interesting feature of this excellent book....[I]t contains among the best reviews of reconnection and MHD turbulencelc"