Ideal and Resistive Magnetohydrodynamics

This book describes state-of-the-art theories and applications of ideal and resistive magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). It fills a gap in the market between existing textbooks and the latest cutting-edge research developments, reviewing the profound and pioneering contributions of the theory’s founders and the latest developments and technologies.

This book guides readers from the foundations and first principles of MHD to then explore equilibrium theory from classic formulations to modern innovations in coil design, stellarator symmetry, and X‑point physics.

Clear explanations connect advanced ideal and resistive stability theory to real fusion challenges, including interchange, ballooning, and Alfv´en modes. The book also unpacks key nonlinear phenomena such as magnetic islands, tearing modes, sawteeth, and edge transport dynamics.

Concluding with a forward‑looking assessment of tokamak, stellarator, and mirror concepts, this volume offers a deep yet accessible review of the field for anyone seeking to understand the MHD principles that underpin controlled nuclear fusion.

This book will appeal to graduate students and researchers in plasma physics. Although it focuses mainly on magnetically confined fusion plasma physics, it will also be useful to students and researchers in adjoining fields, including space plasma physics.

Key features:

• One of only a handful of books dedicated entirely to advanced ideal and resistive MHD theory for magnetically confined plasmas
• Fills a gap between existing textbooks and cutting-edge research in plasma physics
• Self-contained, covering advanced theory with detailed mathematical treatments