Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) is the interaction between electrically conducting fluids and magnetic fields. Fluids are not, in general, magnetic but if they can conduct electric current j these can interact with a magnetic field B to produce forces j X B per unit volume which profoundly affect the motion.

Magnetohydrodynamics Defined

Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) is the interaction between electrically conducting fluids and magnetic fields. Fluids are not, in general, magnetic but if they can conduct electric current j these can interact with a magnetic field B to produce forces jXB per unit volume which profoundly affect the motion. The most abundant conducting fluid in the universe is ionized gas, or plasma, because all stars are composed of it. MHD is the force responsible for the generation of planetary and stellar magnetic fields. Plasmas can support phenomena besides those which are described by the MHD approximation which treats the fluid as a continuum. It is of importance in connection with many engineering problems such as plasma confinement, liquid-metal cooling of nuclear reactors, and electromagnetic casting. All research discussed on this Wesite utilizes the theories of MHD as a primary source of scientific and mathematical understanding.

Solar MHD

Solar MHD is the study of the subtle, and often nonlinear, interaction between the Sun's magnetic field and its plasma interior or atmosphere, treated as a continuous medium.

The Professor's Notes

These are the actual notes written by Professor Shumlak for his Introduction to Aerospace Plasma course.

Magnetohydrodynamics and Computation