This book is an introduction to contemporary plasma physics that discusses the most relevant recent advances in the field and covers a careful choice of applications to various branches of astrophysics and space science. The purpose of the book is to allow the student to master the basic concepts of plasma physics and to bring him or her up to date in a number of relevant areas of current research. Topics covered include orbit theory, kinetic theory, fluid models, magnetohydrodynamics, MHD turbulence, instabilities, discontinuities, and magnetic reconnection. Some prior knowledge of classical physics is required, in particular fluid mechanics, statistical physics, and electrodynamics. The mathematical developments are self-contained and explicitly detailed in the text. A number of exercises are provided at the end of each chapter, together with suggestions and solutions.

This book is an introduction to contemporary plasma physics that discusses the most relevant recent advances in the field and covers a careful choice of applications to various branches of astrophysics and space science. The purpose of the book is to allow the student to master the basic concepts of plasma physics and to bring him or her up to date in a number of relevant areas of current research. Topics covered include orbit theory, kinetic theory, fluid models, magnetohydrodynamics, MHD turbulence, instabilities, discontinuities, and magnetic reconnection. Some prior knowledge of classical physics is required, in particular fluid mechanics, statistical physics, and electrodynamics. The mathematical developments are self-contained and explicitly detailed in the text. A number of exercises are provided at the end of each chapter, together with suggestions and solutions.

L'opera si propone di introdurre i principi fondamentali della Fisica del Plasma, disciplina che trova applicazione sia nel campo del'energetica (Fusione Termonucleare Controllata), sia dell'Astrofisica (oltre il 90% della materia dell'Universo e sotto forma di plasma). Dopo un capitolo introduttivo, vengono discussi i possibili schemi di descrizione teorica dei plasmi. La parte centrale e dedicata alla discussione della magnetoidrodinamica, con particolare riguardo alla teoria delle onde e delle instabilita. Vengono infine trattati i problemi della riconnessione magnetica e delle onde d'urto nei plasmi. Per ogni argomento trattato vengono illustrate delle applicazioni di carattere astrofisico. I calcoli vengono sempre svolti esplicitamente in modo da permettere allo studente una piena comprensione delle relative tecniche. Una serie di esercizi permette inoltre la verifica delle competenze acquisite. Il libro e destinato agli studenti dei corsi di Laurea Magistrale e di Dottorato ."