Kinetic Theory: Classical, Quantum, and Relativistic Descriptions

R.L. Liboff, Richard C. Liboff0387955518, 9780387955513, 9780387217758

Kinetic Theory: Classical, Quantum, and Relativistic Descriptions, Third Edition goes beyond the scope of other works in the field with its thorough treatment of applications in a wide variety of disciplines. Its clear exposition and emphasis on concrete examples make it not only an excellent graduate text but also a valuable resource for researchers in such disciplines as aerospace, mechanical, and chemical engineering; astrophysics, solid state and laser physics and devices, plasma physics, and controlled and thermonuclear fusion. Among the topics covered are: The Liouville equation and analyses of the Liouville equation, including two independent derivations ? The Boltzmann equation and Boltzmann’s H-theorem ? Analysis of the linearized collision operator ? Fluid dynamics and irreversibility ? Assorted kinetic equations with applications to plasmas and neutral fluids ? Elements of quantum kinetic theory, including the Green’s-function formalism and the Wigner-Moyal equation ? Relativistic kinetic theory and Lorentz invariants ? Kinetic properties of metals and amorphous media ? Monte Carlo analysis in kinetic theory ? Kinetic study of shock waves This third revised edition features a new section on constants of motion and symmetry and a new appendix on the Lorentz-Legendre expansion. Each chapter concludes with a variety of problems, many of which provide self-contained descriptions of related topics; lists of such “topical problems” are included in the Contents. Numerous appendices supply vector formulas and tensor notation, properties of special functions, physical constants, references, and a historical time chart.