Alfvénic

adjective

Alf·​vén·​ic ¦al(f)-¦vā-nik 

-¦ve-

: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an Alfvén wave

Alfvénic velocity

In a magnetic nozzle the Alfvén speed plays a role similar to that of the sound speed in a conventional nozzle. The transition from sub-Alfvénic to super-Alfvénic flow delineates a boundary beyond which the flow downstream has no effect upstream—which ensures that the detachment exerts no drag on the rocket.

—Franklin R. Chang Díaz, Scientific American, November 2000

Word History

Etymology

Hannes Alfvén + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

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