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

This book goes beyond the scope of other works in the field with its thorough treatment of applications in a wide variety of disciplines. The third edition features a new section on constants of motion and symmetry and a new appendix on the Lorentz-Legendre expansion.

About this title

Review:

From the reviews of the third edition:

"This monograph is devoted to a standard approach of kinetic theory in classical and quantum systems. ... The book is divided in 7 chapters; each of them is ended by a set of interesting problems of different difficulties. The presentation is clear ... . The book includes also tables and figures that make more pleasant its reading. ... this book gives a standard presentation of kinetic theory; one of its qualities is to provide clear calculations and a good overview of classical methods." (Stéphan Métens, Physicalia, Vol. 57 (3), 2005)

"Liboff’s book on kinetic theory, now in its third edition, is a gulf apart from standard treatments one encounters in statistical and thermal physics texts. ... This text will be suitable for students and researchers ... . Students will welcome the good number of problems at the end of each chapter, some of which having detailed solutions." (J. Hartley, Contemporary Physics, Vol. 45 (5), 2005)

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.

About this edition

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