The Framework Of Plasma Physics (Frontiers in Physics) [Hardcover]

Richard D. Hazeltine (Author), Francois L. Waelbroeck (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 10, 1998 | ISBN-10: 0738200476 | ISBN-13: 978-0738200477 | Edition: 1ST

Plasma physics is a necessary part of our understanding of stellar and galactic structure; it determines the magnetospheric environment of the earth and other planets; it forms the research frontier in such areas as nuclear fusion, advanced accelerators, and high frequency lasers; and its applications to various industrial processes (such as computer chip manufacture) are rapidly increasing. Thus, it is a subject with a long list of scientific and technological applications.This book provides the scientific background for understanding such applications, but it emphasizes something else: the intrinsic scientific interest of the plasma state. It attempts to develop an understanding of this state, and of plasma behavior, as thoroughly and systematically as possible. Building its explanations from carefully identified physical laws, the book avoids the occasional tendency of plasma texts to present the subject in terms of a collection of ad hoc recipes. In particular, the book emphasizes the relation between the various conceptual tools used to describe plasma (such as MHD and the Vlasov equation) and their common origin in laws of nature.Thus plasma physics is displayed as a discipline that responds to certain scientific challenges in a coherent and comprehensible way. It is a discipline with a lengthening list of scientific accomplishments, a perhaps larger list of remaining mysteries, and a characteristic point of view. The book was written with the graduate student in mind, but most of the material would also fit into an upper-level undergraduate course.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Richard D. Hazeltine is Professor of Physics at the University of Texas at Austin. He is co-author, with J.D. Meiss of Plasma Confinement, Frontiers in Physics Volume 86. François L. Waelbroeck, Research Scientist at the Institute for Fusion Studies at the University of Texas at Austin, is a leading theorist in plasma physics and fusion research. Richard D. Hazeltine is Professor of Physics at the University of Texas at Austin. He is co-author, with J.D. Meiss of Plasma Confinement, Frontiers in Physics Volume 86. François L. Waelbroeck, Research Scientist at the Institute for Fusion Studies at the University of Texas at Austin, is a leading theorist in plasma physics and fusion research.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Westview Press; 1ST edition (September 10, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738200476
• ISBN-13: 978-0738200477
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,746,214 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A rich reward, January 29, 2007

By 

Michael Gramlich "Mizzou Physics" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Framework Of Plasma Physics (Frontiers in Physics) (Paperback)

Plasma physics is a very rich subject. This author does a good job of introducing it to the reader. There are flaws with his methods, however. Some equations have variables which do not get defined or mentioned anywhere. They are identifiable after some mulling, but when the purpose of understanding the equations gets held up for lack of definitions, then it becomes somewhat annoying. Otherwise the book is good.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best: Priceless, November 17, 2010

By 

Mark Rosin (London, England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Framework Of Plasma Physics (Frontiers in Physics) (Paperback)

This is the best general plasma textbook I have found. Rigorous and comprehensive. It covers the basics for beginners whilst providing gems of insight for the advanced reader. The most important textbook that I used during my PhD (and beyond).
Dr Mark Rosin