Fluid Dynamics And Dynamos In Astrophysics And Geophysics

The increasing power of computer resources along with great improvements in observational data in recent years have led to some remarkable and rapid advances in astrophysical fluid dynamics. The subject spans three distinct but overlapping communities whose interests focus on (1) accretion discs and high-energy astrophysics; (2) solar, stellar, and galactic magnetic fields; and (3) the geodynamo, planetary magnetic fields, and associated experiments. This book grew out of a special conference sponsored by the London Mathematical Society with the support of EPSRC that brought together leading researchers in all of these areas to exchange ideas and review the status of the field. The many interesting problems addressed in this volume concern:

The increasing power of computer resources along with great improvements in observational data in recent years have led to some remarkable and rapid advances in astrophysical fluid dynamics. The subject spans three distinct but overlapping communities whose interests focus on (1) accretion discs and high-energy astrophysics; (2) solar, stellar, and

Although the origin of Earth's and other celestial bodies' magnetic fields remains unknown, we do know that the motion of electrically conducting fluids generates and maintains these fields, forming the basis of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) and, to a larger extent, dynamo theory. Answering the need for a comprehensive, interdisciplinary introduction to this area, Mathematical Aspects of Natural Dynamos provides a foundation in dynamo theory before moving on to modeling aspects of natural dynamos. Bringing together eminent international contributors, the book first introduces governing equations, outlines the kinematic dynamo theory, covers nonlinear effects, including amplitude saturation and polarity reversals, and discusses fluid dynamics. After establishing this base, the book describes the Earth's magnetic field and the current understanding of its characteristics. Subsequent chapters examine other planets in our solar system and the magnetic field of stars, including the sun. The book also addresses dynamo action on the large scale of galaxies, presents modeling experiments of natural dynamos, and speculates about future research directions. After reading this well-illustrated, thorough, and unified exploration, you will be well prepared to embark on your own journey through this fascinating area of research.

Treats the origin of magnetic fields in planets, stars and galaxies, and the manner of their evolution over time.

Magnetism is one of the most pervasive features of the Universe, with planets, stars and entire galaxies all having associated magnetic fields. All of these fields are generated by the motion of electrically conducting fluids, the so-called dynamo effect. The precise details of what drives the motion, and indeed what the fluid consists of, differ widely though. In this work the authors draw upon their expertise in geophysical and astrophysical MHD to explore some of these phenomena, and describe the similarities and differences between different magnetized objects. They also explain why magnetic fields are crucial in the formation of the stars, and discuss promising experiments currently being designed to study some of the relevant physics in the laboratory. This interdisciplinary approach makes the book appealing to a wide audience in physics, astrophysics and geophysics.