Basics of Plasma Astrophysics, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 2015
UNITEXT for Physics Series

This book is an introduction to contemporary plasma physics that discusses the most relevant recent advances in the field and covers a careful choice of applications to various branches of astrophysics and space science. The purpose of the book is to allow the student to master the basic concepts of plasma physics and to bring him or her up to date in a number of relevant areas of current research. Topics covered include orbit theory, kinetic theory, fluid models, magnetohydrodynamics, MHD turbulence, instabilities, discontinuities, and magnetic reconnection. Some prior knowledge of classical physics is required, in particular fluid mechanics, statistical physics, and electrodynamics. The mathematical developments are self-contained and explicitly detailed in the text. A number of exercises are provided at the end of each chapter, together with suggestions and solutions.

From the Contents: Orbit theory.- Kinetic theory of plasmas.- Fluid models of plasmas.- Magnetohydrodynamics.- Instabilities.- Waves.- Discontinuities.- Magnetic reconnection.- MHD turbulence.

Covers a careful selection of applications of plasma physics to various branches of astrophysics and space science

Emphasis on basic physical principles rather than specialized jargon

Up-to-date discussion of the most relevant recent advances in the field

Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras