Complexity: Hierarchical Structures and Scaling in Physics (Cambridge Nonlinear Science Series, Series Number 6) - Hardcover

Badii, Remo; Politi, Antonio

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521418909 ISBN 13: 9780521418904

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1997

Synopsis

This is a comprehensive discussion of complexity as it arises in physical, chemical and biological systems, as well as in mathematical models of nature. The aim of this book is to illustrate the ways in which complexity manifests itself and to introduce a sequence of increasingly sharp mathematical methods for the classification of complex behavior. This book will be of interest to graduate students and researchers in physics (nonlinear dynamics, fluid dynamics, solid-state, cellular automata, stochastic processes, statistical mechanics and thermodynamics), mathematics (dynamical systems, ergodic and probability theory), information and computer science (coding, information theory and algorithmic complexity), electrical engineering and theoretical biology.

About this title

Book Description

This is a comprehensive discussion of complexity as it arises in physical, chemical, and biological systems, as well as in mathematical models of nature. Common features of these apparently unrelated fields are emphasised and incorporated into a uniform mathematical description, with the support of a large number of detailed examples and illustrations. The uniformity of notation and the relegation of technical mathematical notions to the appendices will help the reader follow the main course of the discussion without much need for consulting standard textbooks or the original research papers.

Review

"The approach throughout is no-nonsense...for a mathematically mature reader determined to ponder what complexity might mean, this book will provide some rewarding exercise." Nature

"The book presents a comprehensive review of the results which have been achieved in the understanding of the phenomenon of complexity and its quantitative description." Mathematical Reviews

"...focused on the formal description of complex systems...the authors discuss a great number of ideas developed in the field of complex systems and complexity....Those working on complexity theory will find this book an invaluable source since it offers a great number of stimulating ideas and guidance for future research." Journal of Statistical Physics

"It is the definitive source for complexity in physical systems. Scientists and graduate students working or interested in this new field, especially physicists, mathematicians and theoretical computer scientists will find this book of value." Pageoph

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0521418909
• ISBN 13: 9780521418904
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 332