Engineering Physics  
Engineering Physics : Faculty :
Chris C. Hegna

Chris C. Hegna

Chris C. Hegna
Professor

  • Address/E-mail
  • Program Affiliations
  • Education
  • Fields of Interest
  • Additional Experience
  • Summary

  • Contact Information

    521 Engineering Research Building
    1500 Engineering Drive
    Madison, WI 53706-1609
    Tel: 608/263-0810
    Fax: 608/265-2438
    E-mail: hegna@engr.wisc.edu

    Program Affiliations

    Education

    Fields of Interest

    Additional Experience

    Summary

    Professor Hegna's primary field is theoretical plasma physics with an emphasis on the area of plasma confinement using magnetic fields. These studies employ analytic and computational techniques to study plasma dynamics and are closely coupled with experimental observations. The ultimate goal of the magnetic confinement community is to develop magnetic fusion as a commercial source of electricity.

    Hegna's current research includes the areas of magnetohydrodynamic equilibrium and stability, transport properties of plasmas, and general magnetic confinement theory. In particular, he is interested in developing theoretical models to understand the role of macroscopic instabilities in high temperature plasmas; nonideal and nonlinear magnetohydrodynamic instabilities; kinetic theory modifications to fluid-like descriptions of plasmas; plasma dynamics in non-symmetric magnetic confinement systems; the role of magnetic geometry, symmetry and topology on plasma instabilities, turbulence and transport properties; self-organization properties of plasmas; anomalous current and momentum transport; magnetic reconnection in laboratory and astrophysical plasmas; and dynamo processes in plasmas.

    Hegna is an active member of the Center for Plasma Theory and Computation and is involved in the research activities of the University's three magnetic confinement experiments, the Pegasus Toroidal Experiment, the HSX Plasma Laboratory and the Madison Symmetric Torus (MST). Additionally, he is heavily involved in the U. S. fusion science program by serving on a number of workshop and conference organization committees, review panels and program advisory committees.




    Copyright 2007 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System
    Date last modified: 23-Jan-2007
    Content by: hegna@engr.wisc.edu
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