Magnetohydrodynamics: From Physical Models to Simulation Tools
Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) models the behaviour of electrically conducting fluids (e.g., plasmas and liquid metals) by coupling the nonlinear Navier–Stokes (NSE) and Maxwell’s (ME) equations. Its applications span astrophysics, space physics, magnetic-confinement fusion, and geophysics. The MHD equations are highly nonlinear, involving complex interactions between NSE and ME, and present challenges such as large gradients, divergence-free constraints on the magnetic field, thin electromagnetic boundary layers, and turbulence modelling. To address these challenges, contributions from physics, numerical analysis, and application domains are needed. This semester programme aims to bring together experts in physical modelling and numerical analysis to advance next-generation MHD simulation tools. It will focus on strengthening local collaborations within the Netherlands (e.g., DIFFER and the Applied Mathematics community), and engaging the international community (e.g., ITER, Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics). Additionally, the programme will contribute to educating the next generation of experts through a comprehensive course on numerical simulation of MHD.
The program will consist of:
- A series of bimonthly Interdisciplinary Seminar (3 in total)
- A focused workshop
- A Summer School for graduate students
More information will follow.
