Alfvén speed ($v_A$)

The Alfvén speed associated with magnetic-field magnitude $B$ and density $\rho$ is $v_A=B/\sqrt{{\mu }_0\rho }$.

The Alfvén Mach number compares a characteristic flow speed with the Alfvén speed $v_A=B/\sqrt{{\mu }_0\rho }$. In an axisymmetric magnetohydrodynamic wind, the relevant poloidal quantity is $M_{Ap}=|{\mathbf{u}}_p|\sqrt{{\mu }_0\rho }/|{\mathbf{B}}_p|$. With magnetohydrodynamic mass loading $\rho {\mathbf{u}}_p=\kappa {\mathbf{B}}_p$, its square is ${\mu }_0{\kappa }^2/\rho$. The Alfvén surface is the locus $M_{Ap}=1$, and a smooth crossing requires the corresponding Alfvén-surface regularity condition for an axisymmetric wind. The total-speed and poloidal-speed definitions should be distinguished when there is substantial rotation or a strong toroidal magnetic field.

The Alfvén velocity is the signed vector ${\mathbf{v}}_a=\mathbf{B}/\sqrt{{\mu }_0\rho }$, whose magnitude is the Alfvén speed. It follows the orientation of the magnetic field, unlike the nonnegative scalar speed.

An Alfvén number is the ratio of a flow speed to the corresponding Alfvén speed. For a poloidal flow parallel to a poloidal magnetic field, $A^2={\mu }_0\rho u_p^2/B_p^2$.