Statistical Mechanics: Algorithms and Computations (Oxford Master Series in Physics) - Hardcover

Krauth, Werner

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0198515359 ISBN 13: 9780198515357

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2006

Synopsis

This book discusses the computational approach in modern statistical physics in a clear and accessible way and demonstrates its close relation to other approaches in theoretical physics. Individual chapters focus on subjects as diverse as the hard sphere liquid, classical spin models, single quantum particles and Bose-Einstein condensation. Contained within the chapters are in-depth discussions of algorithms, ranging from basic enumeration methods to modern Monte Carlo techniques. The emphasis is on orientation, with discussion of implementation details kept to a minimum. Illustrations, tables and concise printed algorithms convey key information, making the material very accessible. The book is completely self-contained and graphs and tables can readily be reproduced, requiring minimal computer code. Most sections begin at an elementary level and lead on to the rich and difficult problems of contemporary computational and statistical physics. The book will be of interest to a wide range of students, teachers and researchers in physics and the neighbouring sciences. An accompanying CD allows incorporation of the book's content (illustrations, tables, schematic programs) into the reader's own presentations.

About this title

About the Author

Werner Krauth is Research Director at CNRS, Laboratoire de Physique de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris, France.

Review

"... a very timely topic. The role of computation in statistical mechanics is increasingly important, ... the inclusion of non-equilibrium problems, quantum systems, and the Bose gas brings this volume bang up to date."--John Cardy, University of Oxford

"... timely and fascinating, ... with a very attractive focus on the structure and efficiency of algorithms."--Paul Goldbart, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0198515359
• ISBN 13: 9780198515357
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 360