This course describes basic applications of plasma physics to astrophysical objects. The physics of the solar atmosphere, stellar winds, jets, interstellar and inter-galactic medium may only be understood via basic plasma dynamical processes. Basic descriptions of astrophysical plasmas will be given together with fundamental processes such as magnetic reconnection, collisional and collisionless shocks and particle acceleration, and an introduction to plasma and magnetohydrodynamic turbulence.
Recommended reading:
Chiuderi e Velli: “Fisica del Plasma”
Boyd e Sanderson : “The Physics of Plasmas”
Priest: “Solar Magnetohydrodynamics”
On-line notes on the topics covered in the course are also available.
Learning Objectives
Knowledge acquired:
Basic plasma astrophysics
Competence acquired :
Concepts of asymptotic analysis of ode’s, eigenvalues, nonlinear partial differential equations
Skills acquired (at the end of the course):
Basic analysis of natural plasma dynamics
Prerequisites
None
Teaching Methods
6 CFU
Lectures hours: 48
Further information
Office hours
on demand
simone.landi@unifi,it
rubini@arcetri.astro.it
Website: e-l.unifi.it
Type of Assessment
Oral test
Course program
Plasma definition and fundamental parameters. Plasma kinetic theory. From kinetic theory to multi fluid and one fluid equations. Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD); MHD equilibria and instabilities; MHD waves and shocks.
Plasma waves, collisonless kinetic equation. Resonances and wave damping (Landau damping). Magnetic reconnection: stationary and linear models. An introduction to fluid and magneto-fluid turbulence.