Course 1: Accretion and Ejection-Related MHD

Abstract.

This lecture is an introduction to MHD. Relevant equations, both in the classical and special-relativistic regimes are derived. The magnetic field evolution is considered both in the perfect-MHD limit and when weak resistivity is present, giving rise to reconnection flows. A short section gives a flavour of dynamo theory. Examples of simple stationnary flows and equilibria are then presented. Stationnary, axisymmetric, rotating perfect-MHD winds and jets are discussed in some more detail. Their asymptotic structure is described. The last sections deal with small motions about an equilibrium and stability. These issues are illustrated by a few classical examples. The last section discusses linear aspects of the magneto-rotationnal instability.