The growing Applied Mathematics group within the Department of Mathematics presently has 10 permanent members of staff. A study of the complicated but fascinating interaction between conducting fluids and magnetic fields that is responsible for generating planetary and stellar magnetic fields and for much of their diverse behaviour. Both linear and non-linear aspects are currently being studied. This subject has application in many areas including convection in planetary and stellar interiors.
Shear layers are regions of rapid variation in fluid flow.
Local computing facilities are excellent including many powerful UNIX workstations in the Department, and access to a high performance computing facility recently funded for the UK MHD Consortium. Close contacts are maintained with other groups working in these areas both in the UK and in the USA and Europe. In particular an international initiative for Studies of the Earth's Deep Interior is encouraging close collaboration and progress. Please quote reference RAS99.