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
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
