Fundamentals of Plasma Physics - Softcover

Bellan, Paul M.

  • 4.33 out of 5 stars
    12 ratings by Goodreads
 
9780521528009: Fundamentals of Plasma Physics

Synopsis

This rigorous explanation of plasmas is relevant to diverse plasma applications such as controlled fusion, astrophysical plasmas, solar physics, magnetospheric plasmas, and plasma thrusters. More thorough than previous texts, it exploits new powerful mathematical techniques to develop deeper insights into plasma behavior. After developing the basic plasma equations from first principles, the book explores single particle motion with particular attention to adiabatic invariance. The author then examines types of plasma waves and the issue of Landau damping. Magnetohydrodynamic equilibrium and stability are tackled with emphasis on the topological concepts of magnetic helicity and self-organization. Advanced topics follow, including magnetic reconnection, nonlinear waves, and the Fokker-Planck treatment of collisions. The book concludes by discussing unconventional plasmas such as non-neutral and dusty plasmas. Written for beginning graduate students and advanced undergraduates, this text emphasizes the fundamental principles that apply across many different contexts.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

About the Author

Paul M. Bellan is Professor of Applied Physics at the California Institute of Technology.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Other Popular Editions of the Same Title

9780521821162: Fundamentals of Plasma Physics

Featured Edition

ISBN 10:  0521821169 ISBN 13:  9780521821162
Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2006
Hardcover