Instabilities in Space and Laboratory Plasmas

by D. B. Melrose

Overview

This introductory account of instabilities in plasmas concentrates on laboratory plasmas, such as those encountered in fusion research, and the space plasmas studied in physics of the magnetosphere and solar atmosphere. This account bridges the gap between a graduate textbook on plasma physics, and specialized similarities between astrophysical and laboratory plasmas that are traditionally regarded as quite separate. The author, an expert in plasma astrophysics who has written a two-volume book on the subject, treats the material naturally, lending a broader perspective to the subject. This is an instructional text for graduate students and professionals in magnetospheric and mathematical physics, radiophysics, solar and theoretical astrophysics and radio astronomy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521379625
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	03/16/1989
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	296
Product dimensions:	6.81(w) x 9.72(h) x 0.71(d)

Table of Contents

Preface; Plasma formulary; Part I. Introduction To Plasma Theory: 1. Introduction; 2. The response of an unmagnetized plasma; Part II. Instabilities In Unmagnetized Plasmas: 3. Reactive instabilities; 4. Kinetic instabilities; 5. Particle motions in waves; 6. Weak turbulence theory; 7. Nonlinear instabilities and strong turbulence; Part III. Collision-Dominated Magnetized Plasmas: 8. Magnetohydrodynamics; 9. MHD instabilities; Part IV. Instabilities In Magnetized Collisionless Plasmas: 10. Dispersion in a magnetized plasma; 11. Electron cyclotron maser emission; 12. Instabilities in warm and in inhomogeneous plasmas; 13. Instabilities due to anisotropic fast particles; Appendices; Bibliographical notes; References; List of commonly used symbols; Author index; Subject index.

Editorial Reviews

"...this book is a must for any starter in plasma physics and for other theoretically minded physicists who want to keep abreast of progress in that field." Astronomical Society of Australia

"I recommend this book to every space physicist who deals with or is curious about plasma instabilities." E.O.S.

From the Publisher

Paperbound edition of a 1986 publication. An introductory account of instabilities in plasmas, bridging the gap between a graduate textbook and specialist monograph. Concentrates on laboratory plasmas encountered in fusion research and the space plasmas studied in physics of the magetosphere and solar atmosphere. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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