Alfvén Wave

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Alfvén Wave


A transverse wave in a magnetohydrodynamic field in which the driving force is the tension introduced by the magnetic field along the lines of force. Also called magnetohydrodynamic wave .


The dynamics of such waves are analogous to those in a vibrating string, the phase speed C being given by

Missing Image:IMG SRC="equat/10alf.gif" WIDTH=136 HEIGHT=25 alt="phase speed equation"

where u is the permeability; H is the magnitude of the magnetic field; and p is the fluid density. Dissipative effects due to fluid viscosity and electrical resistance may be also present.

References

This article is based on NASA's Dictionary of Technical Terms for Aerospace Use