# APh 156 abc

**Source**: https://aph.caltech.edu/academics/courses/aph-156-abc
**Parent**: https://aph.caltech.edu/academics/courses

APh 156 abc\

Plasma Physics

9 units (3-0-6) 
|
first, second, third terms

Prerequisites: Ph 106 abc or equivalent.

An introduction to the principles of plasma physics. A multitiered theoretical infrastructure will be developed consisting of the Hamilton-Lagrangian theory of charged particle motion in combined electric and magnetic fields, the Vlasov kinetic theory of plasma as a gas of interacting charged particles, the two-fluid model of plasma as interacting electron and ion fluids, and the magnetohydrodynamic model of plasma as an electrically conducting fluid subject to combined magnetic and hydrodynamic forces. This infrastructure will be used to examine waves, transport processes, equilibrium, stability, and topological self-organization. Examples relevant to plasmas in both laboratory (fusion, industrial) and space (magneto-sphere, solar) will be discussed.

Instructor:
Bellan