MHD (Magneto-Hydrodynamics) models are extensively used in the analysis of magnetic fusion devices, industrial processing plasmas, and ionospheric/astrophysical plasmas. MHD is the extension of fluid dynamics to ionized gases, including the effects of electric and magnetic fields. Time-independent MHD equilibria also form the basis for more advanced kinetic and particle-based models of plasma behavior.
This web-page contains a collection of "virtual" MHD plasma images. These are all based upon data arising from computer simulations of toroidal plasmas which have been visualized in various ways. We have employed false color and artificial shadings to highlight a variety of phenomena and theoretical idealizations (e.g., magnetic field lines and flux surfaces) which are not visible in real experimental plasmas. Visualization techniques are very useful for mining large data sets (these can arise either from theoretical simulations or from experimental data). They help scientists to more quickly develop intuitive underestandings, identify new phenomena, present their data to others, and rapidly identify errors in the data and models.
Links from this page:
- MHD Equilibria (time-independent MHD)
- Axisymmetric toroidal devices (2D)
- Non-axisymmetric toroidal devices (3D)
- Particle orbits and equilibria
- MHD Dynamics (time-dependent MHD)
- Links to other sites
- ORNL Security Notice and Disclaimer
