Characteristics of a fluid. Derivation of the fluid equations from Boltzmann’s equation. The equations of continuity, momentum and energy transport. Ideal and resistive MHD. Ohm’s law. The Lundquist number. Simplifications and domains of validity. Conservation laws. Fluid drifts. Magnetic pressure. Boundary conditions. The virial theorem. Shear and magnetic well. Equilibrium in cylinder geometry. Flux and surface quantities. Pinches. The reversed-field pinch. Toroidicity, the Grad-Shafranov equation. Resistive diffusion. MHD waves and spectra. Stabilising and destabilising forces. Nondimensionalisation of equations. Linearisation. Normal modes. Eigenvalue problems in MHD. The energy principle. Rayleigh-Taylor instability. Resistive instabilities. The magnetosphere. MHD processes in the Sun.

When completing the course, the student should be able to

• Provide the details of the derivation of ideal and resistive MHD equations
• Describe and explain the domains of validity of one-fluid MHD
• Demonstrate the basic properties of ideal MHD
• Give detailed examples of MHD equilibria and their properties
• Discuss MHD waves
• Derive the Energy principle
• Apply the Energy principle to the Rayleigh-Taylor instability

The course content is divided into four parts.
For each part
• the student should read the literature before joining
• a discussion meeting, where topics raised by the students should be jointly discussed
• the student should prepare five questions and send them to the course leader in advance

Examination entails
• taking part in group discussions
• handing in answers to specific questions on all four parts of the course 
• correcting the answer sheets after receiving feedback from the course leader
• defending the answers in a brief oral examination

Literature will be handed out at introductory course meeting.

Students at KTH with a permanent disability can get support during studies from Funka:

Funka - compensatory support for students with disabilities

P, F

• EXA1 - Examination, 8.0 credits, Grading scale: P, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Examination ( EXA1 )

Final oral exam.

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.