This rigorous explanation of plasmas is relevant to diverse plasma applications such as controlled fusion, astrophysical plasmas, solar physics, magnetospheric plasmas, and plasma thrusters. More thorough than previous texts, it exploits new powerful mathematical techniques to develop deeper insights into plasma behavior. After developing the basic plasma equations from first principles, the book explores single particle motion with particular attention to adiabatic invariance. The author then examines types of plasma waves and the issue of Landau damping. Magnetohydrodynamic equilibrium and stability are tackled with emphasis on the topological concepts of magnetic helicity and self-organization. Advanced topics follow, including magnetic reconnection, nonlinear waves, and the Fokker–Planck treatment of collisions. The book concludes by discussing unconventional plasmas such as non-neutral and dusty plasmas. Written for beginning graduate students and advanced undergraduates, this text emphasizes the fundamental principles that apply across many different contexts.

About - Advanced Propulsion Systems

In this course on advanced propulsion systems, we will cover everything needed to understand the operation of (1) Rotating Detonation Engines (2) Scramjet Engines and (3) Electric Engines comprising of Ion Engines, Hall Thrusters, MHD thrusters etc. A lab component will expose the students to measurement and instrumentation used in propulsion research. Schlieran, Shadowgraph, Chemiluminescence, Dynamic Pressure measurements, Static Pressure Measurement, Mie Scattering, Thermocouple and Hotwire based measurements etc.