Magnetic Reconnection in Plasmas

by Dieter Biskamp

Overview

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the theory of magnetic field line reconnection, now a major subject in plasma physics. Biskamp focuses on the various reconnection mechanisms dominating magnetic processes under the different plasma conditions encountered in astrophysical systems and in laboratory fusion devices. The book consists of two major parts: the first deals with the classical resistive approach, while the second presents an overview of weakly collisional or collisionless plasmas. Applications primarily concern astrophysical phenomena and dynamo theory, with emphasis on the solar and geodynamo, as well as magnetospheric substorms—the most spectacular reconnection events in the magnetospheric plasma. The theoretical procedures and results also apply directly to reconnection processes in laboratory plasmas, in particular the sawtooth phenomenon in tokamaks. The book will be of value to graduate students and researchers interested in magnetic processes both in astrophysical and laboratory plasma physics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521020367
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	09/29/2005
Series:	Cambridge Monographs on Plasma Physics , #3
Edition description:	Revised ed.
Pages:	404
Product dimensions:	6.69(w) x 9.61(h) x 0.83(d)

Table of Contents

1. Introduction; 2. Basic kinematic concepts; 3. Current sheets; 4. Resistive instabilities; 5. Dynamo theory; 6. Noncollisional reconnection processes; 7. Microscopic theory of magnetic reconnection; 8. Magnetospheric substorms.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

'Magnetic reconnection is one of the most fascinating subjects in plasma physics. It is basically a process by which the close tie between plasma motions and magnetic fields is broken. I recommend Magnetic Reconnection in Plasmas very highly to all researchers who are active in the field.' EOS

Editorial Reviews

'Magnetic reconnection is one of the most fascinating subjects in plasma physics. It is basically a process by which the close tie between plasma motions and magnetic fields is broken. I recommend Magnetic Reconnection in Plasmas very highly to all researchers who are active in the field.' EOS

From the Publisher

In somewhat of a sequel to his , Biskamp (Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics) introduces graduate students and researchers to the theory of magnetic field line reconnection. Focusing on the various reconnection mechanisms dominating magnetic processes under the different plasma conditions encountered in astrophysical systems and in laboratory devices, he covers first the classical resistive approach, then the weakly collisional or collisionless plasmas. His applications primarily concern astrophysical phenomena and dynamo theory, especially the solar dynamo, the geodynamo, and magnetospheric substorms. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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