Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2005-07-29
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
latex, 30 pages, 7 figures. Minor corrections. Version with better-resolved Figs. 1, 4, 6 is available from http://www.damtp
Scientific paper
We discuss the current understanding of the most basic properties of astrophysical MHD turbulence and trace the origins of the modern views and theoretical uncertainties to the ideas set forth in 1950s and 1960s by Iroshnikov, Kraichnan, Batchelor, Schlueter and Biermann. Universal aspects of the theory are emphasised. Two main astrophysical applications are touched upon: turbulence in the solar wind and in clusters of galaxies. These are, in a certain (very approximate) sense, two ``pure'' cases of small-scale turbulence, where theoretical models of the two main regimes of MHD turbulence -- with and without a strong mean magnetic field -- can be put to the test. They are also good examples of a complication that is more or less generic in astrophysical plasmas: the MHD description is, in fact, insufficient for astrophysical turbulence and plasma physics must make an entrance.
Cowley Steve C.
Schekochihin Alexander A.
No associations
LandOfFree
Turbulence and Magnetic Fields in Astrophysical Plasmas does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Turbulence and Magnetic Fields in Astrophysical Plasmas, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Turbulence and Magnetic Fields in Astrophysical Plasmas will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-562058