Alfven Wave Calculator

Calculate Alfven wave velocity and related MHD parameters

Magnetic Field Strength (Tesla): *

Density Input Mode:

Mass Density (kg/m³): *

Temperature (K): (optional - for plasma beta)

About Alfven Waves

Alfven waves are low-frequency oscillations in magnetized plasmas where the magnetic field lines act like vibrating strings. They propagate along field lines at the Alfven velocity.

Key Formulas:

vA = B/√(μ₀ρ) (Alfven velocity)
PB = B²/(2μ₀) (Magnetic pressure)
β = Pth/PB (Plasma beta)
vms = √(vA² + cs²) (Fast magnetosonic)

Typical Environments:

Solar wind (1 AU): vA ~ 50 km/s
Solar corona: vA ~ 1000 km/s
Earth's magnetosphere: vA ~ 100-1000 km/s
Tokamak: vA ~ 10⁶ m/s