The Role of Magnetohydrodynamics in Heliospheric Space Plasma Physics Research
Abstract
Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) is a fairly recent extension of the field of fluid mechanics. While much remains to be done, it has successfully been applied to the contemporary field of heliospheric space plasma research to evaluate the ‘macroscopic picture’ of some vital topics via the use of conducting fluid equations and numerical modeling and simulations. Some representative examples from solar and interplanetary physics are described to demonstrate that the continuum approach to global problems (while keeping in mind the assumptions and limitations therein) can be very successful in providing insight and large scale interpretations of otherwise intractable problems in space physics.
- Publication:
-
Astrophysics and Space Science
- Pub Date:
- May 1988
- DOI:
- 10.1007/BF00793195
- Bibcode:
- 1988Ap&SS.144..407D
- Keywords:
-
- Heliosphere;
- Magnetohydrodynamics;
- Solar Wind;
- Space Plasmas;
- Coronal Loops;
- Interplanetary Magnetic Fields;
- Plasma Physics;
- Shock Waves;
- Solar Flares;
- Solar Terrestrial Interactions;
- Solar Physics