Mathematical Aspects of Natural Dynamos
edited by
Emmanuel Dormy and Andrew Soward
For centuries it has been known that astrophysical bodies, ranging from
planets to stars and galaxies, generate magnetic fields. Indeed the very
existence of the Earth's magnetic field has enabled travelers and explorers
to determine their direction by use of the compass. Despite our long
familiarity with the Earth's magnetic field, its origin together with that
of other celestial bodies remains a very challenging problem.
What is now known, however, is that these magnetic fields are generated and
maintained by the motion of electrically conducting fluids.
The study of magnetic field generation is called "dynamo theory", which
itself forms a special branch of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD).
Mathematical Aspects of Natural Dynamos is directed at researchers
and graduate students who may use the text as an introduction to the
subject area and as a reference source.
Contributions from some of the world's leading experts are gathered
together to provide broad coverage of the central issues in this rapidly
developing research field. Though a solid background in mathematics and
fluid mechanics is assumed of the reader, prior knowledge of MHD, dynamo
theory, geophysics and astrophysics is not required.
Much recent progress has been achieved through the combined use of numerical, experimental, analytical and observational techniques.
While this book is focused largely on the fundamental analytical background
which forms the basis of a detailed understanding of the subject, reviews
are also presented concerning the state of the art in computing,
experiments and observations.
504 p, 2007, ISBN 1 58488 954 3
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