Intro Chaos Nonequilib Stat Mechan (Cambridge Lecture Notes in Physics, Series Number 14) - Softcover

Dorfman

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521655897 ISBN 13: 9780521655897

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2008

Synopsis

This book provides an introduction to nonequilibrium statistical mechanics applied to ideas in chaotic dynamics. The author illustrates how techniques in statistical mechanics can be used to calculate quantities that are essential to understanding the chaotic behavior of fluid systems. Beginning with important background information, the volume goes on to introduce basic concepts of dynamical systems theory through simple examples before explaining advanced topics such as SRB and Gibbs measures. It will be of great interest to graduate students and researchers in condensed matter physics, nonlinear science, theoretical physics, mathematics, and theoretical chemistry.

About this title

Book Description

This book will introduce readers to the applications of ideas in chaotic dynamics to nonequilibrium statistical mechanics, and to the use of techniques in statistical mechanics for calculating quantities that are important for an understanding of the chaotic behavior of fluid systems. Although a background in statistical mechanics on the part of the readers is assumed, the basic ideas needed here are reviewed in the early chapters. The basic concepts of dynamical systems theory are introduced through simple examples, and advanced topics such as SRB and Gibbs measures are explained.

Review

"...a very valuable, enjoyable, and useful book to be highly recommended to any student or professional in the field of statistical mechanics at large." SIAM

"The entire book makes enjoyable and informative reading and is warmly recommended to anybody interested in either nonequilibrium statistical mechanics or dynamical systems theory, or both...Thirty-odd years of the author's expertise together with his clarity style make this set of lectures a real treat." Pageoph

"This book is a convincing invitation to modern mathematical concepts and new techniques. It will prove useful and attractive to graduate students and teachers in this active field." Mathematical Reviews

"...a first and needed step toward a systematic simple presentation of a developing methodology." Physics Today

"It gives a good introduction to modern research in transport theory which relates macroscopic properties of large systems to underlying microscopic dynamics. The book does not pretend to be mathematically rigorous but presents an extremely readable account of the conceptual foundations of nonequilibrium statistical mechanics...To summarize, this is a very well written and readable book by one of the experts in the feild. Its emphasis on conceptual developments, illustrated by simple dynamical models provides interesting reading not just for specialists, but also for a more general physical audience seeking a better understanding of the current status of the conceptual foundations of nonequilibrium statistical mechanics." Jrnl of Statistical Physics Vol.104,

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0521655897
• ISBN 13: 9780521655897
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 304