Introduction to Relativistic Continuum Mechanics

G. Ferrarese, D. Bini (auth.), G. Ferrarese, D. Bini (eds.)3540731660, 9783540731665

This mathematically-oriented introduction takes the point of view that students should become familiar, at an early stage, with the physics of relativistic continua and thermodynamics within the framework of special relativity. Therefore, in addition to standard textbook topics such as relativistic kinematics and vacuum electrodynamics, the reader will be thoroughly introduced to relativistic continuum and fluid mechanics. Emphasis in the presentation is on the 3+1 splitting technique, widely used in general relativity for introducing the relative observers point of view.

Table of contents :
Front Matter….Pages I-XII
Classical Physics: Axiomatic Formulation….Pages 1-20
Space-Time Geometry and Relativistic Kinematics….Pages 21-107
Test Particle Dynamics….Pages 109-145
Applications….Pages 147-167
Relativistic Kinematics for a Three-Dimensional Continuum….Pages 169-206
Elements of Classical Dynamics of a Continuum….Pages 207-237
Elements of Relativistic Dynamics of a Continuum….Pages 239-262
Elements of Relativistic Thermodynamics of a Continuum….Pages 263-307
Relativistic Electromagnetism in Vacuum….Pages 309-338
Back Matter….Pages 339-340