Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) studies the interaction between the flow of an electrically conducting fluid and magnetic fields. It involves such diverse topics as the evolution and dynamics of astrophysical objects, thermonuclear fusion, metallurgy and semiconductor crystal growth, etc. Although the first ideas in magnetohydrodynamics appeared at the beginning of the last century, the "explosion" in theoretical and experimental studies occurred in the 1950s-60s.

This state-of-the-art book aims at revising the evolution of ideas in various branches of magnetohydrodynamics (astrophysics, earth and solar dynamos, plasmas, MHD turbulence and liquid metals) and reviews current trends and challenges.

Dynamo, Astrophysics, and Plasmas.- How MHD Transformed the Theory of Geomagnetism.- Early Magnetohydrodynamic Research in Stockholm.- Dynamo Experiments.- Mean-Field Dynamo Theory: Early Ideas and Today's Problems.- Astrophysical MHD: The Early Years.- Turbulence and Magnetic Fields in Astrophysical Plasmas.- Transient Pinched Plasmas and Strong Hydromagnetic Waves.- High Magnetic Fields.- Early Years of MHD at Cambridge University Engineering Department.- Julius Hartmann and His Followers: A Review on the Properties of the Hartmann Layer.- Liquid Metal Magnetohydrodynamics for Fusion Blankets.- Geostrophic Versus MHD Models.- Turbulence.- The Birth and Adolescence of MHD Turbulence.- How Analogous is Generation of Vorticity and Passive Vectors (Magnetic Fields)?.- MHD Turbulence at Low Magnetic Reynolds Number: Present Understanding and Future Needs.- Modelling of MHD Turbulence.- The Growth of Magnetohydrodynamics in Latvia and Israel.- Velocity Measurement Techniques for Liquid Metal Flows.- Flow Control and Propulsion in Poor Conductors.- Electromagnetic Processing of Materials.- Overview of Electromagnetic Processing of Materials.- Applications of High Magnetic Fields in Materials Processing.- Effect of AC Magnetic Fields on Free Surfaces.- Numerical Modelling for Electromagnetic Processing of Materials.- Magnetic Fields in Semiconductor Crystal Growth.- An Outline of Magnetoelectrochemistry.