Hydrodynamic And Magnetohydrodynamic Turbulent Flows

TUrbulence modeling encounters mixed evaluation concerning its impor tance. In engineering flow, the Reynolds number is often very high, and the direct numerical simulation (DNS) based on the resolution of all spatial scales in a flow is beyond the capability of a computer available at present and in the foreseeable near future. The spatial scale of energetic parts of a turbulent flow is much larger than the energy dissipative counterpart, and they have large influence on the transport processes of momentum, heat, matters, etc. The primary subject of turbulence modeling is the proper es timate of these transport processes on the basis of a bold approximation to the energy-dissipation one. In the engineering community, the turbulence modeling is highly evaluated as a mathematical tool indispensable for the analysis of real-world turbulent flow. In the physics community, attention is paid to the study of small-scale components of turbulent flow linked with the energy-dissipation process, and much less interest is shown in the foregoing transport processes in real-world flow. This research tendency is closely related to the general belief that universal properties of turbulence can be found in small-scale phenomena. Such a study has really contributed much to the construction of statistical theoretical approaches to turbulence. The estrangement between the physics community and the turbulence modeling is further enhanced by the fact that the latter is founded on a weak theoretical basis, compared with the study of small-scale turbulence.

This book presents an introduction to, and modern account of, magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence, an active field both in general turbulence theory and in various areas of astrophysics. The book starts by introducing the MHD equations, certain useful approximations and the transition to turbulence. The second part of the book covers incompressible MHD turbulence, the macroscopic aspects connected with the different self-organization processes, the phenomenology of the turbulence spectra, two-point closure theory, and intermittency. The third considers two-dimensional turbulence and compressible (in particular, supersonic) turbulence. Because of the similarities in the theoretical approach, these chapters start with a brief account of the corresponding methods developed in hydrodynamic turbulence. The final part of the book is devoted to astrophysical applications: turbulence in the solar wind, in accretion disks, and in the interstellar medium. This book is suitable for graduate students and researchers working in turbulence theory, plasma physics and astrophysics.

Small-scale structures in turbulent flows appear as a subtle mixture of order and chaos that could play an important role in the energetics. The aim here is a better understanding of the similarities and differences between vortex and current dynamics, and of the influence of these structures on the statistical and transport properties of hydrodynamic and magnetohydrodynamic turbulence, with special concern for fusion plasmas, and solar or magnetospheric environments. Special emphasis is given to the intermittency at inertial scales and to the coherent structures at small scales. Magnetic reconnection and the dynamo effect are also discussed, together with the effect of stratification and inhomogeneity. The impact of hydrodynamic concepts on astro and geophysical observations are reviewed.

Magnetohydrodynamics describes dynamics in electrically conductive fluids. These occur in our environment as well as in our atmosphere and magnetosphere, and play a role in the sun's interaction with our planet. In most cases these phenomena involve turbulences, and thus are very challenging to understand and calculate. A sound knowledge is needed to tackle these problems. This work gives the basic information on turbulence in nature, comtaining the needed equations, notions and numerical simulations. The current state of our knowledge and future implications of MHD turbulence are outlined systematically. It is indispensable for all scientists engaged in research of our atmosphere and in space science.

Small-scale structures in turbulent flows appear as a subtle mixture of order and chaos that could play an important role in the energetics. The aim here is a better understanding of the similarities and differences between vortex and current dynamics, and of the influence of these structures on the statistical and transport properties of hydrodynamic and magnetohydrodynamic turbulence, with special concern for fusion plasmas, and solar or magnetospheric environments. Special emphasis is given to the intermittency at inertial scales and to the coherent structures at small scales. Magnetic reconnection and the dynamo effect are also discussed, together with the effect of stratification and inhomogeneity. The impact of hydrodynamic concepts on astro and geophysical observations are reviewed.

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.