DOI

A special Lagrangian coordinate system is introduced, in which the magnetic flux tube is the main object of investigation. The flux tube is shown to behave as a nonlinear relativistic string in relation to tangential force. General and particular variational principles are also discussed. With the introduction of a Lagrangian coordinate system the relativistic magnetohydrodynamic equation of motion reduces to a set of nonlinear string equations. From these results it follows that a highly conductive plasma with a 'frozen-in' magnetic field can be considered as a gas of nonlinear strings interacting through pressure forces. A method is developed which allows the multi-dimensional nonlinear problems of RMHD (relativistic MHD) with boundary layers to be reduced to a set of two-dimensional problems for flux tubes, i.e., nonlinear strings.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)157-166
Number of pages10
JournalAstrophysics and Space Science
Volume184
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Oct 1991

    Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

ID: 53095804