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, magnetohydrostatic, and MHD waves. A detailed spectral theory of MHD waves is developed. … For more content click the Read More button below. Applications will be made to solar structures and observations. 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 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)

Professor Paul Cally
Dr Alina Donea

Notes

This unit is offered in alternate years commencing Semester 1, 2020

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:
1.

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

2.

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

3.

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

4.

Demonstrate expert knowledge on magnetic pressure and tension forces

5.

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

6.

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

7.

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

8.

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

9.

Develop MHD computer model data visualisation and analysis

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.

This unit is offered at both Level 4 and Level 5, differentiated by the level of the assessment. If you are enrolled in MTH5343 you will be expected to demonstrate a higher level of learning in this subject than those enrolled in MTH4343. The assignments and exam in this unit will use some common items from the MTH4343 assessment tasks, in combination with several higher level questions and tasks.

Workload requirements

Workload

Availability in areas of study

Master of Mathematics