Nonequilibrium Statistical Physics: A Modern Perspective

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Roberto Livi, Paolo PolitiCambridge University Press, 10/5/2017EAN 9781107049543, ISBN10: 1107049547Hardcover, 434 pages, 25.4 x 19.3 x 2.3 cmLanguage: EnglishStatistical mechanics has been proven to be successful at describing physical systems at thermodynamic equilibrium. Since most natural phenomena occur in nonequilibrium conditions, the present challenge is to find suitable physical approaches for such conditions: this book provides a pedagogical pathway that explores various perspectives. The use of clear language, and explanatory figures and diagrams to describe models, simulations and experimental findings makes the book a valuable resource for undergraduate and graduate students, and also for lecturers organizing teaching at varying levels of experience in the field. Written in three parts, it covers basic and traditional concepts of nonequilibrium physics, modern aspects concerning nonequilibrium phase transitions, and application-orientated topics from a modern perspective. A broad range of topics is covered, including Langevin equations, Levy processes, directed percolation, kinetic roughening and pattern formation.PrefaceAcknowledgementsNotations and acronyms1. Brownian motion, Langevin and Fokker–Planck equations2. Linear response theory and transport phenomena3. From equilibrium to out-of-equilibrium phase transitions4. Out-of-equilibrium critical phenomena5. Stochastic dynamics of surfaces and interfaces6. Phase-ordering kinetics7. Highlights on pattern formationAppendix A. Central limit theorem and its limitationsAppendix B. Spectral properties of stochastic matricesAppendix C. Reversibility and ergodicity in a Markov chainAppendix D. Diffusion equation and random walkAppendix E. Kramers–Moyal expansionAppendix F. Mathematical properties of response functionsAppendix G. The van der Waals equationAppendix H. The Ising modelAppendix I. Derivation of the Ginzburg–Landau free energyAppendix J. Kinetic Monte CarloAppendix K. Mean-field phase diagram of the bridge modelAppendix L. The deterministic KPZ and the Burgers' equationAppendix M. The perturbative renormalization group for KPZa few detailsAppendix N. The Gibbs–Thomson relationAppendix O. The Allen–Cahn equationAppendix P. The Rayleigh–Bénard instabilityAppendix Q. General conditions for the Turing instabilityAppendix R. Steady states of the one-dimensional TDGL equationAppendix S. Multiscale analysisIndex. Show more