Physics of Plasmas

A short, self-sufficient introduction to the physics of plasma for beginners as well as researchers in a number of fields. The author looks at the dynamics and stability of magnetoplasma and discusses wave and transport in this medium. He also looks at such applications as fusion research using magnetic confinement of Deuterium plasma, solar physics with its plasma loops reaching high into the corona, sunspots and solar wind, engineering applications to metallurgy, MHD direct generation of electricity, and railguns, finally touching on the relatively new and difficult subject of dusty plasmas. The book includes mathematical notes and 99 exercises that supplement the theory presented and thus offers the beginner an easy introduction to this exciting field. It is an equally good textbook for final year undergraduates and first year research students. Cover......Page 1 Physics of Plasmas......Page 2 Preface......Page 5 Contents......Page 7 Lists of physical constants, plasma parameters and frequently used symbols......Page 12 1 The Equations of Gas Dynamics......Page 13 2 Magnetoplasma Dynamics......Page 44 3 Waves in Magnetoplasmas......Page 79 4 Magnetoplasma Stability......Page 107 5 Transport in Magnetoplasmas......Page 141 6 Extensions of Theory......Page 174 Bibliography......Page 215 Index......Page 217 Back Cover......Page 222