6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL
Undergraduate, Postgraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Organisational Unit
School of Mathematical Sciences
Chief examiner(s)
Coordinator(s)
Not offered in 2019
Notes
This unit is offered in alternate years commencing S1, 2020
Synopsis
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 developed. 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 MHD Visualisation will be an essential part of our tasks.
Outcomes
On completion of this unit students will 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
Examination (3 hours): 60% (Hurdle)
Continuous assessment: 40%
Hurdle requirement: To pass this unit a student must achieve at least 50% overall and at least 40% for the end-of-semester exam
Workload requirements
3 hours of lectures and 1 hour of tutorial per week
8 hours independent study per week
See also Unit timetable information
This unit applies to the following area(s) of study
Master of Mathematics