MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS

Magnetohydrodynamics is the study of the interaction of magnetic fields with electrically-conducting fluids.  The movement or flow of a conductor through a magnetic field creates electric fields through Faraday's Law, which then creates currents and a secondary magnetic field through Ampere's Law. These together in turn create a Lorentz force that reacts back on the flow.  This duality -- flow interacts with field and field interacts with flow -- makes MHD a very subtle and difficult subject, and yet a perfect one for an approach via applied mathematics.  The goal of this course is to gain some intuition into MHD and learn some applied mathematics at the same time.  Ultimately, MHD has many fascinating applications in astrophysics, geophysics, plasma physics and metallurgy.

LOGISTICS

INSTRUCTOR: Nic Brummell

CLASS TIME: Tue/Thu 3:20-4:55pm  

CLASS LOCATION: Cowell 222 (we may change this, depending on how many people sign up!)

 ANNOUNCEMENTS

  • 06/01/2018: Final project set. Due in Tues June 12th 11am (end of the scheduled final).  Note that there is lots of dynamo stuff in the supplementary materials below, as well as in the description of the project.
  • 05/22/2018: HW4 available
  • 05/03/2018: HW3 available
  • 04/23/2018: HW2 available for those who want to get a head start.
  • 04/12/2018: HW1 released.  Due one week from release.
  • 03/29/2018: Get ready ... !!!

LECTURE NOTES

 

SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS