MTH4343 - Magnetohydrodynamics and visualisation of scientific data

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Overview

This unit briefly discusses plasma physics, covering single particle motion and kinetic plasma theory, and then introduces the fluid description to derive the equations of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). It then explores basic MHD, including ideal and dissipative MHD, magnetic hydrostatics, and MHD waves. A detailed spectral theory of MHD waves is … For more content click the Read More button below. Stability and dynamics of solar features from the photosphere to corona will be analysed/simulated. These studies will be accompanied by the state-of-art visualisation techniques such as Python VTK, Mayavi and Paraview. Algorithms and ODE/PDE solvers to allow for Interactive MHD Visualisation will be an essential part of our tasks.

Stability and dynamics of solar features from the photosphere to corona will be analysed/simulated. These studies will be accompanied by the state-of-art visualisation techniques such as Python VTK, Mayavi and Paraview. Algorithms and ODE/PDE solvers to allow for Interactive MHD Visualisation will be an essential part of our tasks.

Offerings

S1-01-CLAYTON-ON-CAMPUS

Rules

Enrolment Rule

Contacts

Chief Examiner(s)

Professor Paul Cally

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr Alina Donea

Professor Paul Cally

Notes

This unit is offered in alternate years commencing S1, 2020

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:

Develop advanced knowledge of the terms in the governing equations of kinetic and fluid theories.

Identify the MHD equations and derive the associated mass and momentum conservation equations

Identify the terms in the MHD version of Ohm's Law and use the equation to explain convection electric fields and frozen-in magnetic fields

Demonstrate expert knowledge on magnetic pressure and tension forces

Derive the dispersion equation for the basic MHD wave modes and describe their properties, such as propagation of magnetohydrodynamic waves

Show using simple examples of how this system of equations can be applied to different astrophysical and laboratory phenomena.

Reach a high level of achievement in writing and presenting sophisticated visualisation methods of computational visualisation

Communicate complex information on waves and MHD theory with the use of visualisation methods.

Assessment summary

Examination (3 hours and 10 minutes): 60% (Hurdle)

Continuous assessment: 40%

Hurdle requirement: If you would otherwise have passed the unit but who do not achieve at least 45% of the marks available for the end-of-semester examination will receive a Hurdle Fail (NH) grade and a mark of 45 on your transcript.

Workload requirements

Workload

Availability in areas of study

Master of Mathematics