Kinetic Theory: Classical, Quantum, and Relativistic Descriptions (Graduate Texts in Contemporary Physics) - Hardcover

Liboff, R.L.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0387955518 ISBN 13: 9780387955513

Publisher: Springer, 2003

Synopsis

Kinetic Theory: Classical, Quantum, and Relativistic Descriptions goes beyond the scope of other works in the field with its thorough treatment of applications in a wide variety of disciplines. Its clear exposition and emphasis on concrete examples will make it not only an excellent graduate text but also a valuable resource for researchers in such disciplines as aerospace, mechanical, and chemical engineering; astrophysics, solid state and laser physics and devices, plasma physics, and controlled and thermonuclear fusion.

Among the topics covered are:
- The Liouville equation and analyses of the Liouville equation, including two independent derivations
- The Boltzmann equation and Boltzmann's H-theorem
- Analysis of the linearized collision operator
- Fluid dynamics and irreversibility
- Assorted kinetic equations with applications to plasmas and neutral fluids
- Elements of quantum kinetic theory, including the Green's-function formalism and the Wigner-Moyal equation
- Relativistic kinetic theory and Lorentz invariants
- Kinetic properties of metals and amorphous media
- Monte-Carlo analysis in kinetic theory
- Kinetic study of shock waves

This third revised edition features a new section on constants of motion and symmetry and a new appendix on the Lorentz-Legendre expansion.

About this title

From the Publisher

This book covers classical kinetic theory as well as quantum kinetics applicable to solid state and laser physics, and relativistic kinetics that relate to astrophysics and controlled thermonuclear fusion.

From the Back Cover

This updated and expanded edition offers a collective description of all aspects of kinetic theory

Kinetic Theory: Classical, Quantum, and Relativistic Descriptions, Second Edition goes beyond the scope of other works in the field with a significantly broader array of applications. This superior reference addresses a wide range of disciplines, including aerospace, mechanical, and chemical engineering; solid state and laser physics; and controlled and astrophysical thermonuclear fusion. Topics covered include:
* Entirely new material on kinetic properties of metals and amorphous media.
* Exposition and analysis of the Liouville equation.
* The Boltzmann equation, fluid dynamics, and irreversibility.
* Kinetic equations with applications to plasmas, neutral fluids, and shock waves.
* Elements of quantum kinetic theory and the many-body Green's function.
* Relativistic kinetic theory--covariant Liouville equation
* List of classical and quantum hierarchies of kinetic equations

Support materials include problem sets at the end of each chapter, many of which provide self-contained descriptions of closely allied topics. Numerous appendices supply vector formulas and tensor notation, properties of special functions, physical constants, references, and a historical time chart.

Kinetic Theory, Second Edition is an indispensable resource for physicists involved in plasma physics, condensed matter, and statistical mechanics; electrical engineers working with laser and solid state devices; and researchers in industry and academia. It is also an excellent text for graduate courses in these and other disciplines.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0387955518
• ISBN 13: 9780387955513
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 592